Post Harvest Management of Bulbous Ornamentals

Abstract

Bulbous ornamentals are major components of the floriculture industry, valued for their diverse colours, forms, fragrances and economic importance, with their underground storage organs providing adaptability and ease of propagation while requiring careful post-harvest management to maintain quality from field to consumer. This review discusses post-harvest handling and storage strategies for bulbous crops including cold storage, controlled and modified atmospheres, curing and controlled drying in relation to bulb viability and subsequent flowering, and examines factors influencing vase life of cut flowers such as growing conditions, genetic variability, pre-harvest application of bioactive compounds and the use of chemical, biological and physical treatments to delay senescence and improve water relations. It highlights current knowledge on bulbs as storage organs and distinguishes them from corms, rhizomes and tubers, linking these differences to specific handling requirements. Given the highly perishable nature of flowers and planting materials, the review emphasizes the importance of appropriate pre-cooling, conditioning, pulsing and packaging to prevent losses and maintain freshness during storage and transport. It also identifies key constraints including physiological disorders, pests, diseases and inadequate handling infrastructure that reduce marketability and shelf life, while outlining future prospects such as improved pre-harvest protocols, advanced packaging and biotechnological approaches, including the use of beneficial microorganisms, to enhance post-harvest resilience and support sustainable growth of bulbous ornamental production.