POSTHARVEST PRESERVATION OF ORNAMENTAL FLOWERS: ADVANCES IN DRY FLOWER TECHNOLOGY FOR RESIN-BASED VALUE ADDITION

Abstract

Drying is a critical determinant of floral quality in resin art, influencing both pigment stability and tissue ultrastructure. This review assesses how major floral pigments, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and betalains, which control colour retention and aesthetic appeal, are affected by traditional and cutting-edge drying methods. Under less-than-ideal circumstances, pigment degradation is greatly influenced by drying parameters like temperature, duration, and oxygen exposure, which result in discolouration, browning, and loss of vibrancy. Dehydration also causes ultrastructural changes that affect shape fidelity, transparency, and resin compatibility, such as cell wall collapse, vacuolar disruption, and microvoid formation. When compared to conventional air and press drying, comparative analysis shows that desiccant-based, microwave-assisted, and freeze-drying techniques offer better colour intensity and three-dimensional morphology preservation. Furthermore, the optical clarity, mechanical stability, and long-term durability of embedded specimens are significantly influenced by the interaction between dried floral tissues and resin matrices. Treatments applied before and after drying, such as moisture control and pigment stabilisation, further improve quality results. In order to maximise floral preservation for high-value resin art applications, the review identifies current research gaps and highlights the necessity of integrated approaches combining plant physiology, drying technology, and material science.