PLANT PIGMENTS

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Pigments responsible for flower colour are carotenoids, chlorophylls, anthoxanthins and anthocyanins. The carotenoids are a group of yellow, orange and orange red fat soluble pigments. Carotenoids with hydroxyl groups are called xanthophylls. Chlorophylls are fat soluble pigments and they generally in the form of chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b in the ratio of 3:1. The flavanoids are water soluble and they consist of the anthocyanins which are responsible for red, blue and purple pigment; anthoxanthin for yellow and  leucoanthocyanins which are colourless but readily change to brown. The plant pigments and their sources obtained from ornamentals are listed below (Table)

Table: Pigments and Respective Ornamental Plants

Pigments

Flower crops

Pelargonidin

Dahlia, Geranium, Stock, Verbena, Delphinium, Tulip, Cineraria

Cyanklin

Dahlia, Petunia, Lily, Ipomoea, Carnation,  Chrysanthemum, Dendrobium, Rose, Iris, Snapdragon

Petunidin

Petunia

Lutein

Marigold, Hemerocallis

Myrecetin

Waterlily

Malvidin

Petunia, Geranium, Alstroemeria, Lupin, Tulip

Peonidin

Snapdragon, Iris, Geranium, Crassula

Anthocyanidin

Euphorbia, Hollyhoec, Centaurea, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Zinnia

Delphindin

Tulip, Lupin Rhododendron, Alstroemeria, Petunia

Plumbagin

Plumbago

Quercetin

Rose, Water lily, Sweet Pea, Camellin

Betalain

Bougainvillea, Portulaca

Chalcone

Cyclamen, Dahlia

Kaemferol

Rose, Sweet Pea
 

Packaging and Storage of Dry Flowers

Procedure for packing of dried flowers

Dried flowers are fragile and require careful handling. Card board boxes, thermocol packing, poly lined or wax paper lined cartons are normally used for packing dried flowers. Metallic tins and thermocol boxes are also used for packing dried flowers. The dry flower arrangements are to be kept in transparent polypropylene boxes (100-200 gauges) for display. Glycerin dried foliage should be wiped with soft cloth to remove excess moisture and should be wrapped with tissue paper. Moth balls and silica gel pouches should be kept inside the packing to avoid insect and moisture damage when plant parts have been preserved, utmost care should be taken to prevent their damage. Specimens should be packed in closed boxes or in sealed plastic bags containing mothballs. Packets of silica gel should also be placed in the boxes to absorb any moisture in the air. Dried plant materials are highly flammable, and precautions should be taken to prevent fire hazards. Dried plant material should be kept away from direct sunlight.

Post Harvest Handling of Dried Flowers

Since dry flowers are made up of cellulose materials of plant origin, it invites a lot of pests. They are hygroscopic in nature, if allowed to absorb moisture, problem of mould infection will occur. The dried flowers should be treated with a suitable biocide (insecticide and fungicide) and packed in waterproof  containers. To avoid the effect of insect pest sulphuring can be done. 

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