Post-harvest technology of ornamentals

Abstract

Flowers and ornamentals are the integrated part of human life but it is highly perishable in nature, without post-harvest management it can’t store long time. So, post-harvest management is the important part of floriculture sector. Pre-harvest, Post-harvest and Harvesting (Stage of harvesting, Time of harvesting, Method of harvesting) is strongly related to self-life of flowers and ornamentals. Flowers and ornamentals should be harvested at a proper time, otherwise loss of quality and self life. Some example is Rose (Tight bud stage), Marigold (Fully opening Stage), Orchid (3 to 4 days after full opening of flower), lilium (Bud colour show red) and others. Major advantage of post-harvest management is throughout the year flower supply, Farmer can get more profit, Crops spoilage is very low and more employers also involve under post-harvest industry but, some physiological disorder also found during post-harvest condition such as; calyx splitting of carnation, Bent neck of rose, Bud drying of lily, Sleepiness of carnation, Topple of gladiolus, Petal Discoloration of rose etc. After harvesting of flowers and ornamentals different types practice should be needed for prolong self life and avoid post-harvest disorder, such as; precooling, Conditioning, Impregnation, Pulsing, Grading, Packaging, Transportation, Storage. Mass amount of store flowers and ornamentals can’t consume every day. So, need export to other state or other country but, without Agri-export zone how it possible. The concept of Agri-Export zone takes a comprehensive look at a particular produce/product located in a contiguous area for the purpose of developing and sourcing the raw materials, their processing/ packaging, leading to final exports. The main object of Agri export is boosting agricultural exports from India. Centre Government of India has sanctioned 60 AEZs comprising about 40 agricultural commodities. AEZs are spread across 20 states in the country.