Behavior and postharvest evaluation criteria of Vriesea incurvata Gaudich. (Bromeliaceae) floral scapes

Abstract

Genus Vriesea of the Bromeliaceae family are highly appreciated to use as ornamental plant due to their floral morphological characteristics, color and the beauty of inflorescences. V. incurvata has been commercialized as a potted ornamental plant. The morphological features of its floral scape may also indicate it for use as a cut flower. However, there are no information available to use of this bromeliad as a cut flower. The aim of this study was to determine quantitative and qualitative criteria in order to evaluate the postharvest behavior of V. incurvata floral scapes. It was observed that V. incurvata floral scapes has great potential to use as cut flower, which has an average of vase-life of 14.9 ± 1.5 days. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics such as color (L*, C*, H°), brightness, turgidity, stiffness, presence of injuries, relative fresh weight, water uptake and loss can be indicated as postharvest evaluation criteria of V. incurvata floral scapes. Keywords: bromeliads, cut flowers, ornamental plant, senescence, vase-life. RESUMO Comportamento e critérios de avaliação pós-colheita de escapos florais de Vriesea incurvata Gaudich. (Bromeliaceae)O gênero Vriesea da família Bromeliaceae é altamente apreciado por seu uso como planta ornamental devido a suas características morfológicas florais, colorido e beleza das inflorescências. A comercialização de V. incurvata é como planta ornamental de vaso. As características morfológicas de seu escapo floral podem também indicá-la para uso como flor de corte. Contudo, não há informações disponíveis sobre o uso desta bromélia como flor de corte. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar critérios quantitativos e qualitativos para avaliar o comportamento pós-colheita de escapos florais de V. incurvata. Observou-se que os escapos florais de V. incurvata apresentam grande potencial como flor de corte, alcançando uma vida de vaso média de 14,9 ± 1,5 dias. As características quantitativas e qualitativas como cor (L*, C*, H°), brilho, turgescência, rigidez, presença de injurias, massa fresca relativa, absorção e perda de água, podem ser indicados como critérios de avalição na pós-colheita de escapos florais de V. incurvata. Palavras-chave: bromélias, flores de corte, planta ornamental, senescência, vida de vaso.

Sucrose, salicylic acid and citric acid solutions to extent vase life of Vriesea incurvata Gaudich. (Bromeliaceae) floral scapes

“…According to Pulido et al (2017), the ideal harvest point for V. incurvata is defined as floral scapes equal to or greater than 40 cm in length, flowers with closed, turgid, bright, and firm bracts, and orange coloring with red-orange margins. After the floral scapes harvesting from the mother plant base they were kept in plastic boxes with covers, wrapped in dry paper, and transported to the laboratory.…”

“…Just like other bromeliads (Junqueira & Peetz, 2008), the commercialization of V. incurvata has been basically as a potted plant. However, in this market so competitive and demanding of new products such as the flower industry, V. incurvata also has the potential to be used as a cut flower given the aesthetic features of its inflorescence, reaching an average vase life of 14.9 ± 1.5 days in distilled water (Pulido et al, 2017).…”

Aechmea distichantha Lem. (Bromeliaceae): postharvest durability and potential as ornamental cut flower

“…To assess the durability of the floral scapes, a methodology based on a grade scale and senescence was applied (Table 1), according to Pulido et al (2017), with modifications. Daily, floral scapes were observed, photographed and postharvest evaluation criteria were measured through the assignment of grades, according to the visual characterization of senescence symptoms.…”

“…Daily, floral scapes were observed, photographed and postharvest evaluation criteria were measured through the assignment of grades, according to the visual characterization of senescence symptoms. Commercial durability is established when the grade is equal to or greater than 3 (Pulido et al, 2017).…”