Postharvest handling of Floricultural Crops
Course Overview
Postharvest Handling of Floriculture crops 3 (2+1)
Course Objectives
i. To teach the students about various factors leading to postharvest losses in flowers ii. To acquaint the students about various technologies (like conditioning, grading, storage, packaging etc) used in postharvest management of flowers iii. To provide hand on training to students for postharvest handling of commercial flowers
Theory Syllabus
Importance of Postharvest Technology in Floricultural crops, Physiology of flowering in relation to photoperiodism, temperature and other environmental factor. Structural, biochemical, metabolic and hormonal changes during flower senescence. Factors affecting postharvest quality of flowers- pre harvest, harvest and postharvest. Causes of decline in post-harvest life of flowers. Floral preservatives - holding, pulsing and budding. Plant hormones and their role in postharvest management of flowers. Storage, its types and factors affecting storage. Grading of different flowers. Packaging – passive and active. Importance of cool chain in transportation of cut flowers. Physiological disorders of flowers. Latest approaches to improve postharvest life of flowers. Postharvest handling of commercial flowers- Rose, Chrysanthemum, Gladiolus, Lilium Tuberose and marigold.
Practical Syllabus
Photoperiodism and vernalization in flowering. Membrane integrity and water relation during senescence. Harvest and postharvest factors affecting postharvest quality of flowers. Preparations of different solutions. Holding and pulsing solutions. Wet and dry storage. Grading of flowers. Types of packaging. Physiological disorders of flowers and their remedial measures. Postharvest handling of commercial flowers- Rose, Chrysanthemum, Gladiolus, Lilium Tuberose and marigold.
Suggested Readings
1. Bhattacharjee S K and De L C. 2004. Advances in Ornamental Horticulture. Vol. V. Pointer Publishers, Jaipur.
2. Bose T K and Yadav L P. 1989. Commercial Flowers. Naya Prokash, Kolkata.
3. Bose T K, Maiti R G, Dhua, R S and Das P. 1999. Floriculture and Landscaping. Naya Prokash.
4. Larson, RA and Armitage A M. 1992. Introduction of Floriculture. International Book Distributing Co., Lucknow, India.
5. Nowak, J and Rudnicki, R M. 1990. Postharvest Handling and Storage of Cut Flowers, Florist Greens, and Potted Plants. Timber Press, USA. 210p. Semester VIII SKILL ENHANCEMENT COURSES (SEC) S. No. Course Title Credit Hours First Year SEC-I (any of two courses can be selected)