Effect of application of oils under post-harvest on the quality and durability of the heliconia ( ortotrycha lemon) in Caicedonia Valle

Abstract

The Heliconias are tropical flowers attractive because their colours andforms, and their because their exotic aspect are valuable in the national andinternational market. Heliconia (Ortotrycha limón) is one of the most attractivespecies, which is originally from Quindio Department and Norte del Valle del Cauca, the post harvest of this flower is done in a characteristic and empiric manner, looking to increase research and to rising competitively into the market. That’s the case of the Heliconia’s make up, where producers use any kind of substance without concern about the effects to the flower’s quality anddurability.That’s why a research named “EFECTO DE APLICACIÓN DE ACEITES EN FASEDE POSCOSECHA SOBRE LA CALIDAD Y DURABILIDAD DE LA HELICONIA (Ortotrycha limón) EN CAICEDONIA VALLEâ€. (Application effects of oils in the post harvest stage over the Heliconia’s quality and durability (Ortotrycha limón) in Caicedonia Valle).In this research were used three make up substances matching three differenttreatments: White Mineral Oil (USP), White Mineral Oil (USP) + Water, and Glycerine; the first treatment with a pure concentration was the best helping to maintain the flower longer, showing quality and durability improved.This project focus to Heliconia’s producer (Ortotrycha limón), looking toimprove quality and durability of flowers that are been exploited for profit and this way increase the strength of this important productive chain.