POSTHARVEST HANDLING OF BIHAI (HELICONIA BIHAI L.) FOR PRESERVATION DURING TRANSPORT AND AT THE POINT OF SALE.

When people see flowers and experience their aromas, they evoke memories associated with nature, freshness, and pleasant environments. Heliconias are a family of flowers that have gained popularity among florists due to their beauty, abundance, and elegance. Therefore, proper handling is essential to extend their shelf life while preserving their anatomical characteristics. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the most suitable solution to improve water absorption, thereby reducing wilting and transpiration of Bihai flowers (Heliconia bihai L.) from harvest through transport, storage, and vase life. The study also includes a proposed packaging method for transporting this species. The methodology involved using sucrose, Tween, and BAP solutions at different concentrations for flower hydration, followed by preservation at room temperature and under refrigeration at 15°C. The results show that the sucrose solution allows the flowers to maintain freshness for 6 days after harvest at room temperature, while under refrigeration, the Tween solution was the most effective, preserving freshness for 12 days. During vase life, no significant differences were observed among the evaluated solutions. For packaging, it was determined that single-wall corrugated cardboard, white on one side with a 26ECT rating, is suitable for flower transport. In conclusion, sucrose is recommended for transport, Tween for refrigeration, and for vase conditions, any of the solutions can be used.