Abstract
The postharvest conservation of cut Heliconia flowers is an important factor to the success of commercialization, especially with regard to exportation. In the present study, the maximal storage time of cut inflorescences of Heliconia bihai cv. Lobster Claw at two different temperatures (12 and 19 °C) was evaluated and compared to laboratory conditions (25 °C, control treatment). Changes in visual quality, fresh weight and bract color (L*, a* and b*) were determined. The visual quality of the inflorescences and fresh weight decreased with time in all treatments. Symptoms of chilling injury were observed on the inflorescences stored at 12 °C for six and eight days. Bract color was not affected by temperature, storage time or the senescence process. The results indicate that a temperature of 12 °C is not recommended for a storage time longer than four days, whereas 19 °C can be used for a storage time of up to eight days for cut inflorescences of H. bihai cv. Lobster Claw.
Highlights
Many species of the genus Heliconia (Heliconiaceae family) are found in all tropical regions of the world due to their horticultural and commercial popularity
The results indicate that a temperature of 12 °C is not recommended for a storage time longer than four days, whereas 19 °C can be used for a storage time of up to eight days for cut inflorescences of H. bihai cv
Lobster Claw underwent a reduction throughout the vase life (Table 1) either due to chilling injury (Figures 1 and 2) or senescence (Figure 3)
Summary
Many species of the genus Heliconia (Heliconiaceae family) are found in all tropical regions of the world due to their horticultural and commercial popularity. Cut Heliconia flowers are well known for their beauty, different shapes and impressive colors (Berry & Kress, 1991). Heliconia bihai has an erect, firm inflorescence, which is an important trait for cut flowers, as it facilitates handling and packaging, offers strength during transportation and allows a longer vase life (Castro et al, 2006). Varieties of H. bihai are the most commercialized of all species of Heliconia in the Brazilian market. Inadequate temperature during marketing is a major factor for the loss of quality and reduction in vase life of cut flowers (Reid, 2001), resulting in a larger number of discarded flowers
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