Deciphering flower senescence physiology: advancements in post-harvest storage and preservation techniques for enhancing longevity
Shalini Jhanji, Gurpreet Kaur, Manisha Chumber
Abstract
Flowers with their pristine beauty offer us an opportunity to embrace nature’s wonders but a shorter shelf life and postharvest management are major challenges in this way. Once harvested from the plant, a cut flower undergoes several physiological changes such as disturbed water balance, alteration in carbohydrate metabolism, chlorophyll and chloroplast degradation, changes in antioxidant activity, etc. Researchers have come up with various techniques to extend vase life of cut flowers. This review provides insights into the various physiological changes that take place when a flower is in vase, starting from the factors that affect vase life and lead to senescence. The role of hormones in the regulation of vase life has also been mentioned. The later section sheds light on various techniques viz. preservative solutions, molecular strategies and storage methods which are utilised to extend vase life. The current understanding of physiological changes and hormones during postharvest vase life and techniques that could be utilised to ensure freshness, charm, marketability and vase life extension as per industry and consumer preferences.