PREHARVEST CONDITIONS THAT CAN IMPROVE THE POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF ORNAMENTALS

Before being sold, cut flowers are transported or stored for several days or even weeks. The postharvest conditions affect the quality of the flowers at the final consumer. Post-harvest technology therefore is very important in reducing quality loss and the control of temperature, ethylene, relative humidity, etc. in the storage and transport environments is imperative. Additionally, pre-harvest conditions can greatly affect the post-harvest flower quality. The factors involved include the control of light, temperature and relative humidity in the greenhouse, defense against pathogens, fertilization, the use of specific substrates, avoiding nutrient and drought stresses, etc. This paper discusses some of the pre-harvest factors that can be controlled to improve the post-harvest quality of cut flowers.