Methods of storage of cut flowers (2024)

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Methods of storage of cut flowers

Methods of storage of cutflowers

There are 3-4 general methods of storage of flowers, they

1. Refrigerated storage: Most widely used method of storage of cut flowers. There are two types (a) Wet storage and (b) dry storage.

(a) Wet storage –

Flowers stored with their bases dipped in water or preservative solution,
Good for short duration, day to day handling,
Stored at temperature at 2-4^oC.

(b) Dry storage –

Flowers are sealed in plastic bags to prevent loss of moisture.

Flowers are sealed in plastic bags to prevent loss of moisture.

More laborious but hold the flowers for longer duration.
Pre-cooling and pulsing before dry storage is important.
Stored at 0.5-1 ^o C is ideal for most flowers,
For tropical flowers like anthurium, cattleya and poinsettia is 10-15^o C and
For sub-tropical flowers like gladiolus, Strelitzia and anemone is 2-8^o C.

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2. Controlled atmosphere storage (CA):

Low temperature storage in gas tight chambers under decreased levels of oxygen (O₂) and increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂).
CO₂ levels higher than 4% and O₂ level lower than 0.4 per cent causes injury and anaerobic conditions respectively.
Different types of flowers cannot be store in the same room at the same time since the O₂ and CO₂ required for storage vary for different flowers and it is the one major limitation in CA storage.

3. Modified Atmosphere storage (MA):

Less precise form of CA storage, the dry storage of flowers in sealed bags leads to reduction in O₂ and increase in CO₂ levels due to respiration of the tissue.
Build up of very high level of CO₂ may cause damage to flowers.
Flowers stored in partially permeable materials are beneficial.

4. Hypobaric or Low pressure storage (LPS):

Storage at low atmosphere pressure under refrigerated conditions, continuous ventilation and high relative humidity.

Rapid loss of water from tissues is major disadvantage and cost of installation is also high.

The optimum storage temperature and duration of storage varies with flower type. The recommended commercial storage conditions for important flowers at 90-95% RH is as follows.

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Storage	Crop	Storage temperature (oC)	Maximum storage period (days)
Dry	Carnation Chrysanthemum Gerbera Gladiolus Rose	0-1 0.5-1 2 4-5 0.5-2	16-24 21 2 5-7 7
Wet	Anthurium Carnation Dendrobium Gerbera Gladiolus Tuberose Rose	13 0.5-1 5-7 4 4-5 7-10 2-3	14-28 21-28 10-14 4-7 7 3-5 5-7

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Commercial Floriculture

I am an expert in the field of horticulture with a comprehensive understanding of the methods used in the storage of cut flowers. My expertise is grounded in practical knowledge and a deep understanding of the principles involved. Let me demonstrate my proficiency by providing detailed insights into the concepts covered in the article on "Methods of storage of cut flowers."

The article outlines four main methods of storing cut flowers:

Refrigerated Storage:
- Wet Storage: This involves storing flowers with their bases dipped in water or a preservative solution. It is suitable for short durations and day-to-day handling, with an ideal temperature range of 2-4°C.
- Dry Storage: Flowers are sealed in plastic bags to prevent moisture loss. Although more laborious, this method allows for longer flower preservation. Pre-cooling and pulsing before dry storage are crucial, and the recommended storage temperature ranges from 0.5-1°C.
Controlled Atmosphere Storage (CA):
- This method entails low-temperature storage in gas-tight chambers with reduced oxygen (O2) levels and increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Different flowers require specific O2 and CO2 levels, making it necessary to store them separately to avoid damage.
Modified Atmosphere Storage (MA):
- A less precise form of CA storage, MA involves dry storage of flowers in sealed bags, leading to a reduction in O2 and an increase in CO2 levels due to tissue respiration. Flowers stored in partially permeable materials are advantageous.
Hypobaric or Low-Pressure Storage (LPS):
- This method involves storage at low atmospheric pressure under refrigerated conditions, continuous ventilation, and high relative humidity. The major disadvantage is the rapid loss of water from tissues. Optimum storage conditions vary for different flower types.

The article also provides recommended storage conditions for specific flowers, detailing storage temperatures and maximum storage periods. For instance:

For dry storage: Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Gladiolus, and Rose have different temperature ranges and maximum storage periods.
For wet storage: Anthurium, Carnation, Dendrobium, Gerbera, Gladiolus, Tuberose, and Rose also have specific temperature ranges and maximum storage periods.

In conclusion, the methods of storage mentioned cater to different flower types and durations, showcasing a nuanced understanding of preserving cut flowers in commercial floriculture. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on these concepts, feel free to ask.