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1. COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE AND RESEARCH STATION SANKARA ,PATAN ,DURG Assignment On Harvest indices, harvesting techniques COURSE TITLE - Prot ected Floriculture COURSE NO. - FLA- 5 05 CREDIT HOUR S - 3 ( 2 + 1 ) PRESENTED TO Dr. Bharti Sao Dept. Of Floriculture and Landscaping PRESENTED BY Harish Kumar Mandavi MSc (H orti . ) 1 st Y ear 2 nd S em Dept. Of Floriculture and Landscaping MAHATMA GANDHI UDYANIKEE EVAM VANIKEE VISHWAVIDYALAYA, DURG (C.G)

2. INDEX Introduction Objectives Definition Importance of Proper Harvesting General Harvest Indices Harvest Indices for Cut Flowers Harvest Indices for Loose Flowers Harvesting Techniques Ideal Time for Harvesting Limitations Precautions During Harvesting Conclusion Reference

3. Introduction Flowers are delicate and perishable commodities, requiring careful handling from field to market. The quality and shelf life of flowers largely depend on the stage at which they are harvested and how they are harvested. Harvesting at the correct maturity stage (harvest index) ensures better appearance, fragrance, vase life, and market value. Different flowers have different ideal harvest stages — knowing these is essential for both cut flowers and loose flowers. The use of proper harvesting tools and techniques minimizes mechanical injury and post-harvest losses.

4. Objectives To understand the concept and importance of harvest indices in floriculture. To identify the ideal harvest stage for different cut and loose flower crops. To learn various harvesting techniques suitable for different types of flowers. To ensure better quality, vase life, and marketability through proper harvesting. To minimize mechanical damage and post-harvest losses in flowers.

5. Definition Harvest Index (in floriculture): A set of visual or physiological indicators that help determine the ideal stage of flower maturity for harvesting to ensure maximum quality and vase life. Harvesting Techniques: The methods and tools used to remove flowers from the plant with minimal damage, preserving their freshness, structure, and market value.

6. Importance of Proper Harvesting Ensures maximum freshness, color, and fragrance of flowers. Improves vase life and shelf life, especially for export and long-distance markets. Minimizes mechanical damage, bruising, and petal drop. Helps maintain uniform quality for grading and packaging. Reduces post-harvest losses and enhances economic returns.

7. General Harvest Indices Bud Size and Shape : Depends on flower type (tight bud for rose, half open for carnation). Color Development : Petals show characteristic color—an important maturity sign. Petal Opening Stage : Slight to full opening depending on species and market need. Stem Strength : Firm, strong stems indicate readiness and better post-harvest life. Fragrance Release : In scented flowers, aroma often signals proper stage. Time of Day : Morning or late evening harvesting preserves freshness and reduces transpiration.

8. Harvest Indices for Cut Flowers Flower Crop Ideal Harvest Stage Rose Tight bud stage with full color visibility Gerbera Outer 2–3 rows of disc florets fully open Gladiolus 1–2 florets at the bottom of the spike are open Carnation Paint brush or half-open stage Chrysanthemum Fully open with well-formed petals Tuberose 1–2 pairs of florets open at the base of the spike

9. Harvest Indices for Loose Flowers Flower Crop Ideal Harvest Stage Marigold Fully open flower, bright and firm petals Jasmine Bud or semi-open stage depending on market demand Hibiscus Just opened flower in early morning for maximum freshness Celosia Fully developed, brightly colored spike Gaillardia Fully open flower with vivid petals Chrysanthemum Fully open (for loose flower types, not cut)

10. Harvesting Techniques Manual Harvesting Mechanical Harvesting Manual Harvesting: Most commonly used method in floriculture.
Involves hand picking or using simple tools like:
Secateurs
Sharp knives
Scissors
Suitable for delicate flowers and small to medium-scale farms.
Ensures gentle handling and minimal damage

11. Secateurs Hand-held pruning shears used for harvesting thick or woody flower stems (e.g., rose, bird of paradise).
Provide a clean cut without crushing the stem.
Reduces stem damage and microbial entry.
Must be sharp and disinfected regularly.

12. 2. Sharp Knives Used for cut flowers like gladiolus, tuberose, and chrysanthemum.
Ideal for making angled cuts to improve water uptake.
Allows for precise and gentle harvesting.
Should be stainless steel and easy to handle.

13. 3. Scissors Suitable for soft-stemmed flowers like marigold, jasmine, and crossandra.
Used in loose flower harvesting.
Easy to use but can crush stems if blunt.
Best for small-scale or garden-level harvesting.

14. 2. Mechanical Harvesting Used in large-scale commercial flower farms (limited use).
Involves machines or equipment for bulk harvesting.
Not suitable for delicate flowers due to potential damage.
More common in crops like marigold grown for garlands or pigments. Conveyor-Belt Harvesters Integrated with conveyor belts and collection trays. Used for bulk harvesting with minimal labor .
Common in commercial marigold or chrysanthemum farms. Modified Combine Harvesters: Adapted versions of crop harvesters used for field-level loose flower crops. Not suitable for cut flowers due to potential bruising.

15. Early Morning or Late Evening is best. Cool temperatures Reduced water loss Flowers are turgid and fresh Avoid harvesting during hot midday hours. Ideal Time for Harvesting

16. Limitations: Not ideal for delicate or high-value cut flowers (like rose, gerbera). May cause bruising, petal drop, or stem breakage. High initial investment and maintenance cost

17. Precautions During Harvesting Use sterilized tools. Avoid rough handling or squeezing. Don’t pile flowers; use lined baskets or crates. Place flowers in water or shade immediately after harvest.

18. Conclusion Identifying the correct harvest index is crucial for ensuring the quality, appearance, and longevity of flowers. Each flower has a specific ideal stage for harvesting, based on bud development, color, and petal opening. The use of appropriate harvesting techniques and tools helps minimize mechanical injury, preserve freshness, and enhance market value. Timely harvesting, especially during the cool hours of the day, and clean handling practices are essential for reducing post-harvest losses. A combination of scientific harvesting indices and careful harvesting methods ensures flowers reach consumers in optimum condition.

19. Reference Peter, K.V. (Ed.) – Floriculture and Landscaping , New India Publishing Agency. Singh, A.K. – Floriculture in India , Medtech Publishing. ICAR e-Courses – B.Sc. Horticulture online materials https://ecourses.icar.gov.in National Horticulture Board (NHB) – Post-harvest and crop-specific guidelines https://www.nhb.gov.in Research articles from: Indian Journal of Horticulture Acta Horticulturae (International Society for Horticultural Science)

20. Thank you