The presentation provides insights into various aspects of post-harvest management of flowers, focusing on dry storage, wet storage, cold storage, bunching techniques, grading, and packing for transportation.
Dry storage is a method used for long-term storage of fresh flowers. Flowers are harvested in the morning, graded, and sealed in plastic sleeves or boxes to prevent moisture loss. Prior to storage, flowers may be treated with floral preservatives containing sugar, anti-microbial, and anti-ethylene compounds. Recommended dry storage temperatures and shelf life for important flower crops are provided, such as Carnation, Lily, Rose, and Anthurium.
In wet storage, flowers are stored with their base dipped in water or a preservative solution for a short period. Flowers are kept at slightly higher temperatures than dry storage. The presentation outlines wet storage temperatures and shelf life for flowers like Antirrhium, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Lily, and Rose.
After pre-cooling, flowers should be immediately transported to cold storage to maintain quality and extend vase life. The presentation emphasizes the importance of monitoring and controlling relative humidity in storage areas through various methods like operating humidifiers, regulating air movement, and maintaining refrigeration coil temperature.
Different bunching techniques are discussed, including staggered bunching and level head bunching, based on the type of flower and stem length. Grading parameters for flowers are detailed, focusing on stem length, leaf health, flower condition, bud size, and neck length.
Packing and transportation methods are crucial for maintaining flower quality during transit. The ideal packing should be airtight, moisture-proof, and durable enough to withstand handling and transport. The presentation highlights the importance of reducing transpiration and cell division rates during transportation and storage to preserve flower quality.
Overall, the presentation provides valuable insights into post-harvest management practices for flowers, including storage methods, temperature requirements, grading parameters, and packing techniques essential for maintaining flower quality and extending shelf life.