Articles
Ecofriendly treatments for postharvest quality and longevity of roses
Article number
1461_17
Pages
155 – 162
Language
English
Abstract
Genetics, cultural practices and environmental conditions during production determine the postharvest quality and longevity of cut roses (Rosa hybrida L.). To maintain the high quality of rose flowers, it is necessary to grow the right cultivar with appropriate cultivation practices under optimum ecology.
Unfortunately, considering the energy consumed and the many different resources used during rose production, lost product has a huge carbon footprint.
Appropriate care is the most sustainable factor in quality management to prevent postharvest losses as care needs no energy.
Eco-friendly treatments are an important issue in the sustainability of the rose industry.
During production and after harvest, cut rose flowers and potted plants are commonly treated with various compounds to prolong their postharvest life.
Ecofriendly and sustainable sprays or pulsing and vase solutions should be used.
Natural extracts should be preferred as a biocide or acidifying agent in solutions to maintain the postharvest quality of cut rose flowers and miniature rose plants. 1-methylcyclopropene is an ecofriendly alternative to the commonly used silver thiosulphate to protect flowers against ethylene damage for sensitive cultivars.
Insufficient water uptake problem is another significant issue for cut rose flowers.
Preventing emboli or other kinds of xylem plugging is necessary to prolong the longevity of cut roses.
Finally, biodegradable recyclable packaging materials and sustainable coatings should be preferred to reduce plastic waste.
In conclusion, maintaining a sustainable ecofriendly quality management chain from grower to consumer will not only reduce postharvest losses, but also reduce the use of harmful chemicals, energy and plastic waste.
Unfortunately, considering the energy consumed and the many different resources used during rose production, lost product has a huge carbon footprint.
Appropriate care is the most sustainable factor in quality management to prevent postharvest losses as care needs no energy.
Eco-friendly treatments are an important issue in the sustainability of the rose industry.
During production and after harvest, cut rose flowers and potted plants are commonly treated with various compounds to prolong their postharvest life.
Ecofriendly and sustainable sprays or pulsing and vase solutions should be used.
Natural extracts should be preferred as a biocide or acidifying agent in solutions to maintain the postharvest quality of cut rose flowers and miniature rose plants. 1-methylcyclopropene is an ecofriendly alternative to the commonly used silver thiosulphate to protect flowers against ethylene damage for sensitive cultivars.
Insufficient water uptake problem is another significant issue for cut rose flowers.
Preventing emboli or other kinds of xylem plugging is necessary to prolong the longevity of cut roses.
Finally, biodegradable recyclable packaging materials and sustainable coatings should be preferred to reduce plastic waste.
In conclusion, maintaining a sustainable ecofriendly quality management chain from grower to consumer will not only reduce postharvest losses, but also reduce the use of harmful chemicals, energy and plastic waste.
Authors
F.G. Çelikel
Keywords
carbon footprint, care, cut flowers, ethylene, packaging, pot plants, water uptake
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