Tropical Flowers Research Articles

A strategic approach to achieve healthy plant growth and decontaminated rhizome of Curcuma alismatifolia Gagenep. cultivation in modified substrate on raised-bed planting

Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. is one of the most attractive tropical flowers exported from Thailand. However, distributing its rhizomes free of bacterial wilt is considered to be a critical quarantine issue. This study’s strategic approach focused on cultivating C. alismatifolia in modified substrate on raised-bed planting without contamination by the wilt Ralstonia solanacearum. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (10 replications per treatment). Significant differences of the physical and chemical properties of appropriate substrates were observed to be correlated with mature green Azolla added in compost. This treatment promoted maximum growth and development, compared to the control. Moderate infection of R. solanacearum was detected in the rhizomes of plants grown with soil collected from the same location of a previous in-ground bedding crop (SSL) mixed in substrates. Healthy plants and decontaminated rhizomes were found in C. alismatifolia grown in modified substrates without SSL. Implementing the findings of this research has the potential to support sustainable production for C. alismatifolia.

Effects of postharvest treatments and modified atmosphere packaging on quality of tropical flowers and foliage

Effects of postharvest treatments and modified atmosphere packaging on quality of tropical flowers and foliage

The AnUFGT1 Is Involved in the Anthurium ‘Alabama’ Anthocyanidin Deficiency

Anthurium is the second largest tropical flower crop in the world. The international market has urgent demand for anthurium varieties with different spathe colors, which mainly arises from the types and contents of anthocyanin. The flavonoid 3-O-glycosyltransferase (UF3GT) gene is the key enzyme involved in promoting anthocyanin accumulation through glycosylation downstream of the anthocyanin synthesis pathway (ASP). Abnormal functioning of UFGT usually results in a reduction in or loss of anthocyanins. The aim of this study was to reveal the role of one anthurium UFGT gene (AnUFGT1) in ‘Xueyu’ (X), an anthocyanin-deficient mutant of ‘Alabama’. Metabolome analysis was used to analyze the metabolic products in the ASP to determine the possible key link of the anthocyanin deletion mutation. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis UFGT functionally deficient mutant (ufgt) and ‘X’ validated the function of AnUFGT1. The results of comparative metabolome analysis of ‘X’ and ‘Alabama’ showed that there was no significant difference in product levels upstream of ASP. The expression levels of AnUFGT1 were significantly greater in ‘Alabama’ than in ‘X’. The overexpression of AnUFGT1 in ufgt significantly increased its anthocyanin contents. The overexpression of AnUFGT1 in ‘X’, mediated by a new injection method, can only promote the synthesis of trace anthocyanins. These results showed that AnUFGT1 could fully compensate the phenotype of ufgt, but only partially compensate the anthocyanidin-deficient phenotype of anthurium mutant X. This difference suggested that anthocyanin-deletion mutations in anthurium ‘X’ are associated with AnUFGT1, but AnUFGT1 is not the only factor. There should be other factors interacting with AnUFGT1 that cause anthocyanin deficiency.

Caracteres fisiológicos e agronômicos de cultivares comerciais de helicônias (Heliconia sp.) em Veracruz, Méxicoen'

Abstract Heliconias belong to the group of tropical flowers, which generate economic benefits in the agricultural sector with their agronomic peculiarities. Besides providing the social actors involved with benefits aimed at sustainability in different tropical areas. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the physiological and agronomic characteristics of three commercial cultivars of Heliconias in three locations of a community in the municipality of Fortín, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Three sites were identified based on the type of agriculture: agroforestry system with Heliconias (site 1), agroforestry system - monoculture, with Heliconias (site 2) and monoculture (only Heliconias, site 3). A randomised complete block design with a split-plot arrangement (A x B) and six replications was used. Factors were: A) In situ cultivation sites, corresponding to three plots (sites) in the municipality of Coapichapan, Mexico, and B) Heliconias cultivars (Heliconia psittacorum, Heliconia wagneriana and H. bihai). The variables evaluated were tillers traits and inflorescence traits. The results show that in an agroforestry system with Heliconia, Heliconia bihai showed better performance in eight variables except for inflorescence number and bract number. In an agroforestry and monoculture system with Heliconia, Heliconia bihai shows better results in leaf length and inflorescence length. In an agroforestry system and monoculture with Heliconia, Heliconia wagneriana performed better in bract number, pseudostem width and leaf length. In monoculture, Heliconia bihai responded best to inflorescence length. Due to the tropical nature of this ornamental, the best growing conditions for Heliconia are in agroforestry systems. Due to its physiological characteristics, Heliconia bihai shows its agronomic potential in this type of agriculture even under monoculture conditions. Therefore, the conditions offered by an agroforestry system have a positive effect on the cultivation of Heliconia.

Entre flores e amores: o perfil e o comportamento do consumidor com o objetivo de sedução

Abstract Since the fifth century B.C., flowers have been associated with seduction, however, no studies were found that could reveal how flowers are bought with this intention. In order to investigate the profile and behavior of consumers of flowers with the purpose of seduction, a descriptive exploratory study was carried out with 108 consumers at the time they purchased flowers with the intention of seduction. The study revealed that among people who bought flowers for this purpose, the frequency was on average of 1.7 times a year, with 64.7% of these consumers defining themselves as male people. No statistical variation was observed between heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual groups. Single and married people had higher purchase rates, with roses being the preferred flowers. Tropical flowers may represent a trend to be explored in market segmentation. The purchase of flowers for seduction was mostly associated with affective relationships such as boyfriends/girlfriends or spouses and the use of flowers in the search for new relationships or even fortuitous cases was also evidenced. Most respondents who reported that have received flowers described that it was a positive influence and contributed to feeling seduced. Finally, it is possible to consider market segmentation, however, it is urgent that the sector be organized in order to elaborate a diagnosis of potential consumption, elaborate consumer acceptance tests, define groups to be segmented, establish targeted marketing campaigns and create evaluation programs for consumer loyalty.

Biodiversity and indigenous knowledge on orchid conservation: Study at a community in Yogyakarta

This study discusses how to manage biodiversity and the role of indigenous knowledge of orchid conservation in Indonesia. Orchids are one of the most attractive tropical flower plants that need attention for conservation. This research was conducted to understand the role and contribution of indigenous knowledge in conserving orchids and protecting natural biodiversity in tropical countries. The questions in this study emphasize how the concept of indigenous knowledge protects tropical biodiversity through a community approach carried out in Yogyakarta. The method used in this research uses qualitative approaches. Primary were data taken from observation, and interview approaches to conservation communities and orchid farmers in Sleman area. Meanwhile, secondary data taken from literature review and bibliometric survey. The purpose of this research is to describe and analyze the role of the community in conserving orchids for the preservation of biodiversity. The results of this study are a model and community or the community way of doing biodiversity conservation in Indonesia start from traditional knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation and experience about plants. So that life experiences about plants that are passed down from generation to generation are very important and influential in providing education for the community and sustainable science.

Integrated metabolome, full-length sequencing, and transcriptome analyses unveil the molecular mechanisms of color formation of the canary yellow and red bracts of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Chitra'.

Bougainvillea is a typical tropical flower of great ornamental value due to its colorful bracts. The molecular mechanism behind color formation is not well-understood. Therefore, this research conducted metabolome analysis, transcriptome analysis, and multi-flux full-length sequencing in two color bracts of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Chitra' to investigate the significantly different metabolites (SDMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Overall, 261 SDMs, including 62 flavonoids and 26 alkaloids, were detected, and flavonols and betalains were significantly differentially accumulated among the two bracts. Furthermore, the complete-length transcriptome of Bougainvillea × buttiana was also developed, which contained 512 493 non-redundant isoforms. Among them, 341 210 (66.58%) displayed multiple annotations in the KOG, GO, NR, KEGG, Pfam, Swissprot, and NT databases. RNA-seq findings revealed that 3610 DEGs were identified between two bracts. Co-expression analysis demonstrated that the DEGs and SDMs involved in flavonol metabolism (such as CHS, CHI, F3H, FLS, CYP75B1, kaempferol, and quercetin) and betacyanin metabolism (DODA, betanidin, and betacyanins) were the main contributors for the canary yellow and red bract formation, respectively. Further investigation revealed that several putative transcription factors (TFs) might interact with the promoters of the genes mentioned above. The expression profiles of the putative TFs displayed that they may positively and negatively regulate the structural genes' expression profiles. The data revealed a potential regulatory network between important genes, putative TFs, and metabolites in the flavonol and betacyanin biosynthesis of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Chitra' bracts. These findings will serve as a rich genetic resource for future studies that could create new color bracts.

Kaolin, boron, and zinc increase photosynthetic activity and mitigate the effects of light stress in heliconia grown under semi-arid conditions

Tropical flowers species of high commercial importance such as heliconia, if grown in semi-arid regions, can have their photosynthesis compromised and, consequently, flower production, due to high irradiation. Foliar applications of kaolin and the mineral nutrients boron and zinc may be an alternative for reducing the harmful effects of light stress. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of these mitigating substances on physiological aspects in two species of heliconia grown under semi-arid conditions. The experimental design was randomized blocks in split-plot scheme, with four repetitions and four plants per replication. The plots consisted of two species of heliconias (H. psittacorum cv. Red Opal and H. bihai cv. Lobster Claw Two) and the subplots corresponded to three light stress mitigating substances (kaolin, boron + zinc, and control). The species H. psittacorum showed higher chlorophyll indexes, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate than the species H. bihai. The applications of kaolin and the mineral nutrients boron + zinc caused increases in the chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll indices, photosynthesis rate, carboxylation efficiency, effective quantum yield of photosystem II, leaf temperature, and vapor pressure deficit in plants of H. bihai and H. psittacorum. It is concluded that the foliar application of kaolin and the minerals boron and zinc reduce the harmful effects caused by high luminosity, with emphasis on the kaolin particle film, which promoted better photosynthetic performance and reduced the effects of non-stomatic limitation of photosynthesis, being a promising strategy for the cultivation of heliconia in semi-arid conditions. In addition, both kaolin and the minerals boron and zinc promote the production of flowering stems of heliconia with better quality and post-harvest durability.

Identification of microRNA158 from Anthurium andraeanum and Its Function in Cold Stress Tolerance

Anthurium andraeanum is a tropical flower with high ornamental and economic value. Cold stress is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting the quality and value of A. andraeanum; thus, improving the cold tolerance of this species is an important breeding objective. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have a critical role in plant abiotic stress responses, but their specific molecular regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown, including those related to the cold stress response in A. andraeanum. Here, we identified and cloned the precursor of miR158 from A. andraeanum (Aa-miR158). Both Aa-miR158 and its target gene (c48247) had higher expression levels in strong leaves than in other tissues or organs. Further study revealed that the transcript level of Aa-miR158 was increased by cold stress. Heterologous overexpression of Aa-miR158 improved cold stress tolerance in Arabidopsis, which was associated with decreases in the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and relative electrical conductivity (REC) as well as increases in peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity. Moreover, overexpressing Aa-miR158 significantly increased the expression of endogenous genes related to cold stress tolerance and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in transgenic Arabidopsis under cold stress. Overall, our results demonstrate that Aa-miR158 is significantly involved in the cold stress response and provide a new strategy for cold tolerance breeding of A. andraeanum.

Transcriptome Analysis Revealing the Interaction of Abscisic Acid and Cell Wall Modifications during the Flower Opening and Closing Process of Nymphaea lotus.

As a tropical flower, Nymphaea lotus is a typical night-blooming waterlily used in water gardening. Its petals are rich in aromatic substances that can be used to extract essential oils and as flower tea. However, the short life of the flower seriously affects the development of its cut flowers. At present, neither the mechanism behind the night-opening waterlily flower's opening and closing nor the difference between day-opening and night-opening waterlily flowers' opening and closing mechanisms are clear. In this study, endogenous hormone contents of closed (CP) and open (OP) petals were measured, and transcriptome analysis of CP and OP petals was carried out to determine the signal transduction pathway and metabolic pathway that affect flower opening and closing. ABA and cell wall modification were selected as the most significant factors regulating flowering. We used qRT-PCR to identify the genes involved in the regulation of flower opening in waterlilies. Finally, by comparing the related pathways with those of the diurnal type, the obvious difference between them was found to be their hormonal regulation pathways. In conclusion, the endogenous ABA hormone may interact with the cell wall modification pathway to induce the flowering of N. lotus. Our data provide a new direction for the discovery of key factors regulating the flower opening and closing of N. lotus and provide basic theoretical guidance for future horticultural applications.

Batik Sarong Terengganu is featured with a Climbing Floral Design as a Motif

This study identifies the uniqueness of climbing floral themes used on Terengganu batik sarongs. Digital image compilation and motif tracing on batik sarong were used to examine the floral climber characters. The relevant literature was mapped onto batik sarong motifs linked to floral elements’ function and role. The examination revealed that climbing flower designs were used at the apit kain (framing border) and the tepi kain (upper and lower edge parts). Various types of tropical flowers were developed as inspiration by the batik makers and represent the batik sarong Terengganu identity. Keywords: Batik Sarong, Climbing Character, Floral Design, Terengganu eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. They are published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI8.3922

DNA Barcoding Reveals Generalization and Host Overlap in Hummingbird Flower Mites: Implications for the Mating Rendezvous Hypothesis.

AbstractHummingbird flower mites are assumed to monopolize single host plant species owing to sexual selection for unique mating rendezvous sites. We tested the main assumption of the mating rendezvous hypothesis-extreme host specialization-by reconstructing interactions among tropical hummingbird flower mites and their host plants using DNA barcoding and taxonomic identifications. We collected 10,654 mites from 489 flowers. We extracted DNA from 1,928 mite specimens and amplified the cytochrome c oxidase I (CO1) DNA barcode. We analyzed the network structure to assess the degree of generalization or specialization of mites to their host plants. We recorded 18 species of hummingbird flower mites from three genera (Proctolaelaps, Rhinoseius, and Tropicoseius) interacting with 14 species of plants. We found that generalist mites are common, and congeneric mite species often share host plants. Our results challenge the assumption of strict specialization that supports this system as an example of mating rendezvous evolution.

Nectar Yeast Community of Tropical Flowering Plants and Assessment of Their Osmotolerance and Xylitol-Producing Potential.

Floral nectar is colonised by microbes, especially yeasts which alter the scent, temperature, and chemical composition of nectar, thereby playing an essential role in pollination. The yeast communities inhabiting the nectar of tropical flowers of India are not well explored. We isolated 48 yeast strains from seven different tropical flowering plants. Post MSP-PCR-basedscreening, 23 yeast isolates and two yeast-like fungi were identified, which belonged to 16 species of 12 genera viz. Candida (2 species), Aureobasidium (2 species), Metschnikowia (2 species), Meyerozyma (1 species), Saitozyma (1 species), Wickerhamomyces (1 species), Kodamaea (2 species), Pseudozyma (1 species), Starmerella (1 species), Hanseniaspora (1 species), Rhodosporidiobolus (1 species), Moesziomyces (1 species), and two putative novel species. All yeast strains were assessed for their osmotolerance abilities in high salt and sugar concentration. Among all the isolates, C. nivariensis (SRA2.2, SRA1.1 and SRA2.1), M. caribbica (SRA4.8 and SRA4.6), S. flava SRA4.2, and M. reukaufii SRA3.2 showed significant growth in high concentrations of sugar (40-50% glucose), as well as salt (12-15% NaCl). All 25 strains were also screened for their ability to utilise xylose to produce xylitol. Meyerozyma caribbica was the most efficient xylitol producer, wherein three strains of this species (SRA4.6, SRA4.1, and SRA4.8) generated 18.61 to 21.56gl-1 of xylitol, with 0.465-0.539gg-1 yields. Through this study, we draw attention towards the tropical floral nectar as a potential niche for the isolation of diverse, osmotolerant, and xylitol-producing yeasts. Such osmotolerant yeasts have potential applications in food industries and biofuel production.

Treatments to prolong the postharvest life of Heliconia wagneriana Petersen

Abstract Tropical flowers have a growing market due to their exotic appearance and thus postharvest techniques are necessary to prolong their shelf life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of wax and salicylic acid (1 mM) in reducing chilling injury and increase the vase life in stems of Heliconia wagneriana stored at low temperature. For that, 120 stems were harvested in a commercial area. From these, 60 stems were waxed and air-dried; while 60 unwaxed stems served as controls. Then 2 groups of 48 stems from both treated and control were cold-stored at 13 °C and 84 % RH for 5 and 10 days. After storage, the stems were placed either in salicylic acid solution (1 mM) or tap water. The remaining stems (12 waxed and 12 control) were kept at room temperature. The variables evaluated were anatomical characteristics, fresh weight loss, solution uptake, vase life, enzymatic activity (polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase), and membrane integrity. The wax coating maintained the fresh weight and extended the vase life of the stored stems under room temperature for up to 2 more days. The vase life of the cold-stored stems of 5 and 10 days was extended by 3 and 2 more days respectively, as compared to the control. No significant effect was observed for the use of salicylic acid (1 mM). The bracts tissue of the waxed stems showed lower enzymatic activity, reflected in lower oxidative stress compared to the control. Tropical species as heliconia present a very low water absorption, then the use of wax coating is recommended to preserve the turgidity and shelf life of the stems.

Current and potential geographic distribution of red palm mite (Raoiella indica Hirst) in Brazil

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, is the most invasive pest, having spread quickly to several countries. In Brazil it is already present in several regions and has a high potential for dispersion to other regions, which could severely affect the cultivation of coconuts, bananas, native and exotic palm trees, and tropical flowers, such as those of the Heliconiaceae family. Thus, we aimed to determine the regions of Brazil most prone to the occurrence of R. indica using Maxent with updated data on its occurrence and a selection of bioclimatic variables that may influence its establishment. The occurrence data used were obtained through a literature search, online databases, and surveys carried out in the field. The model indicated a high potential for the establishment of R. indica in the following locations: a large part of the State of Roraima, the eastern part of the State of Amazonas, the northern and central-western parts of the State of Pará, and parts of the states of Acre and Amapá (North Region); the coast of Brazil from Rio Grande do Norte to the states of Paraíba, Pernanbuco, Alagoas, Sergipe and Bahia (Northeast Region); the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, the far east of Minas Gerais, and almost the entire state of São Paulo, except the northern part (Southeast Region); most of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul and the most southern portion of the State of Mato Grosso (Midwest Region); and the northern part of the State of Paraná and small parts of the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul (South Region). The bioclimatic variables that most influenced the potential geographical distribution of R. indica were precipitation of driest month (Bio14), precipitation of wettest month (Bio13), mean diurnal range (Bio2), and isothermality (Bio3). The parameterization for the Maxent model provides an updated model to prevention invasion of R. indica due updated data on its occurrence used. Thus, potential geographic distribution of R. indica in Brazil should be consider from this study.

Heliconias with pendent inflorescences as cut flowers

Abstract The Heliconia species with pendent inflorescences and colorful bracts are a good option as a cut flower for floriculture market, but only a few species of this type of Heliconia eg. H. rostrata, H. rauliniana and H. chartacea are commercially produced in Brazil. This study was carried out to characterize 36 Heliconia accessions, with pendent inflorescences, to be used as cut flower, intending to increase knowledge and use of these exceptional plants among tropical flower enthusiasts and consumers. The evaluations were performed on plants of the Germplasm Collection of the Instituto Agronômico (IAC) growing in shade, partial shade or full sun conditions. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics, related to clump growth and flower stem aspects were analyzed. A point scoring system was used to determine the species most suitable for cut flower utilization. All evaluated genotypes reached enough points to be considered suitable for use as cut flowers, even those with large inflorescences and bracts arranged in different planes, facts that affect and limit handling, packaging and transportation. H. mariae, H. fernandezii, H. platystachys, H. rauliniana, H. rostrata, H. standley, H. necrobracteata and H. laxa were considered outstanding. This characterization and scoring system were important to facilitate the selection of heliconia genotypes for use as cut flowers.

Global vision of heliconias research as cut flower: a review

Abstract It is relevant to systematize the global knowledge generated about heliconia due to its economic importance in tropical floriculture and the cut flower market. The objective was to explore the results generated in scientific research related to the cultivation of heliconias as cut flower in terms of its methodological approach, research axes, and spatial distribution in terms of the contributions by country. A bibliographic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of science and SciELO based on the keywords “heliconia” and “tropical flowers”. Thereafter, a content analysis of the documents was conducted with the Nvivo software using a priori categories in terms of methodological approach, research axes, year, countries, and cultivars or varieties. The results indicate that the scientific contributions are mostly under a quantitative approach (98.1%). The investigations mainly address productive aspects (74.5%), post-harvest aspects (16.1%), market (6.7%) while industry-used products (2.5%) are scarcely addressed. The countries that make the most contributions are: Brazil (54.5%), Colombia (15.4%) and Mexico (10.9%). The most important species are: H. psittacorum, H. bihai, H. spathocircinata, H. rostrata and H. wagneriana. These results suggest conducting research to identify problems from the physiological, environmental, productive, and economic processes, as well as considering the strategies of farmers as a priority. This must be approached from paradigms where social actors (farmers), their development and the impacts of their social tasks on the cultivation of heliconias are considered the main axis.

First report of Colletotrichum theobromicola causing anthracnose on Anthurium sp.

Anthurium is one of the most frequently grown commercial tropical flowers. In December 2016, Anthurium flowers with circular necrotic spot symptoms were collected in Brazil. Based on morphological and molecular characterisation, the fungus isolates were identified as Colletotrichum theobromicola, which were detected for the first time causing anthracnose on Anthurium in the world.

Management of tillering in the production of flower stems of heliconia cultivated in pots

Potted cultivation of tropical flowers presents good projections for the northeastern region of Brazil; however, it still faces some peculiarities regarding conduction and management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of tillering on the production of Heliconia psittacorum L.f. cv. Red Opal, grown in flowerpot. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment at the Campus of Agricultural Sciences (CCA) of UNIVASF, Petrolina - PE, Brazil, between 2014 and 2016. A completely randomized design was used, with four tiller densities per pot (4, 8, 12 and 16 tillers) and eight replications, totaling 32 plots. The irrigation system was automated and monitored by weighing lysimetry. Were evaluated: efficiency of water use (EUA); harvested flower stems (HC); ratio of harvested stems and number of tillers (HC / NP); number of leaves (NF); duration of vegetative (DFV) and productive phases (DFP); total cycle (CT); floral stem length (CHF); floral stem diameter (DH), bracts length (CB) and equivalent diameter of the collar (DECH). The results were subjected to regression test. The EUA was higher in the density of 16 tillers pot-1; the HC variable presented an increasing linear trend; a decreasing linear trend was detected for HC/NP, NF, DFP, DH, CB and DECH. The number of tillers in the pot does not limit the emission of floral stems. However, the quality of these is inversely proportional to the tiller density.

Phytostimulants influence the vase life of Heliconia psittacorum CV. golden torch

Many factors influence postharvest quality of tropical flowers, including preharvest management of the plants. Also, oxidative stress is a major factor for determining quality during vase life, as it reflects complex chemical and physiological changes in the plant. The present study aimed to assess the influence of phytostimulants applied to Heliconia psittacorum cv. Golden Torch in quality maintenance during the vase life of this species. Bion®, Agro-Mos®, Quartz®, Ca - Fosfitotal® (calcium phosphite) and K - Fosfitotal® (potassium phosphite) were applied in the field. The flower stems used during the experiment were harvested in the morning to assess the visual aspect, fresh matter loss, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation and the soluble carbohydrates and peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities and total soluble phenolic compounds. Fosfitotal® maintained of stem quality of Heliconia during vase life. Fosfitotal®, especially K - Fosfitotal®, resulted in the best scores for the visual aspect, reduced electrolyte leakage and less lipid peroxidation. These results were confirmed with the quantifications of the enzymes peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase and total soluble phenolic compounds. Field treatments, with phytostimulants can maintain the stem quality Heliconia during vase life.