New Frontiers in post-harvest management to extend Cut Flower Lifespan

Abstract

The floriculture industry in India is centered on cultivating traditional loose flowers in open fields and growing cut flowers in protected environments. Flowers are highly perishable compared to other horticultural crops, resulting in significantly higher
postharvest losses, estimated at 30-40% of the farm value. Despite notable progress in the area, production, and productivity of flower crops over the past two decades, minimizing postharvest losses remains a pressing challenge. Postharvest performance is governed by physiological processes in various flower parts, including leaves, stems, buds, and the peduncle or scape connecting the bud to the stem. These processes, either independently or interdependently, affect senescence and vase life. The nature and severity of postharvest damage are unique to each crop or cultivar, making it crucial to adopt crop-specific handling practices. Losses are especially critical when exporting fresh flowers to distant markets, where maintaining quality is essential. To address this issue, careful, gentle, and skilled postharvest handling is vital. Improved techniques can help reduce damage, preserve flower quality, and enhance the economic sustainability of the floriculture industry.