SUSTAINABLE POSTHARVEST TECHNOLOGIES FOR EXTENDING CUT-FLOWER VASE LIFE

Abstract

Severed from their roots, flowers on the market for sale start the clock on their death. Flowers continue to respire and experience a variety of other stressors as the postharvest treatment and transport begin. This review of the literature interprets 35 studies published between January 1, 2020, and June 20, 2026, on the sustainable technology for postharvest treatment and tool commercialization. Information was categorized by balancing practices, xylem, carbohydrates, ethylene, oxidative stress, microbes, and temperature management along the supply chain. The results showed considerable variance among the treatments by species, cultivar, treatment concentration, harvest maturity, water quality, temperature history, storage length, and microbial load. It was found in some studies that melatonin considerably increased the postharvest vase life of carnations by 10 days and of Alstroemeria by 10 days to just over 20 days. Sage and rosemary oils kept gladiolus stems fresh about 88% and 85% longer, respectively. Active modified-atmosphere packs gave nasturtium blooms three extra days of usable freshness. The most defensible strategy for commercialization is a combination of treatment along the supply chain from sanitation, hydration, cooling, and packaging, followed by care in the retail for the intended purpose (vase). The bioremediation and nanotechnology systems have the most promise for the commercialization for postharvest systems, but worker safety and life patents need to be assessed.