Articles
Protea cynaroides Ayoba® ‘Arctic Ice’ commercial flower production
Article number
1463_7
Pages
43 – 50
Language
English
Abstract
Flowers for the autumn harvest period of Protea cynaroides (L.) L. Ayoba® ‘Arctic Ice’ develop through the summer, while spring-harvested flowers develop through winter.
The annual commercial harvest therefore consists of two main harvest periods, with reduced availability between these main periods.
Through monthly bud tracking, we aim to show the influence that the season exerts over the rate of inflorescence development and flower quality.
The maturation rate is slower during winter compared to more rapid summer development, resulting in smaller flower heads due to fewer floral appendages being produced.
Autumn-harvested flowers are prone to early onset of postharvest defects, along with ‘blown’ flowers.
When the florets open before the involucral bracts have a chance to open, the flowers are referred to as ‘blown’. These flowers do not occur any other time of the year under normal circumstances.
Harvesting and handling practices during autumn requires optimal postharvest treatments to achieve an acceptable quality and vase life.
Annual postharvest trials have led to the establishment of a best handling protocol for Ayoba® ‘Arctic Ice’ which depends on optimal hygiene practices and an understanding of the expected vase life performance of these two harvest periods based on factors influencing quality.
The annual commercial harvest therefore consists of two main harvest periods, with reduced availability between these main periods.
Through monthly bud tracking, we aim to show the influence that the season exerts over the rate of inflorescence development and flower quality.
The maturation rate is slower during winter compared to more rapid summer development, resulting in smaller flower heads due to fewer floral appendages being produced.
Autumn-harvested flowers are prone to early onset of postharvest defects, along with ‘blown’ flowers.
When the florets open before the involucral bracts have a chance to open, the flowers are referred to as ‘blown’. These flowers do not occur any other time of the year under normal circumstances.
Harvesting and handling practices during autumn requires optimal postharvest treatments to achieve an acceptable quality and vase life.
Annual postharvest trials have led to the establishment of a best handling protocol for Ayoba® ‘Arctic Ice’ which depends on optimal hygiene practices and an understanding of the expected vase life performance of these two harvest periods based on factors influencing quality.
Publication
Authors
N. Naudé, C. OBrien
Keywords
bract browning, cut flowers, King Protea, leaf blackening, physiological disorders, Proteaceae, vase life
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