Quality of ornamental crops: effect of genotype, preharvest, and improved production chains on quality attributes of ornamental crops

Abstract

Acceptance of ornamental crops depends on the aesthetic value, the combination of flower number, shape, and size, as well as on the color, fragrance, and uniformity of blooming of these flowers. Plant shape, color, and patterning also are important. Vase life and keeping quality are often dependent on these features remaining at certain values, and the absence of pests and diseases. Reasons for quality loss are numerous. The quality of ornamental crops is realized in field or greenhouse by selecting the best genotype of the species of interest and the best cultivation conditions. Environmental conditions during preharvest such as temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, quality, and periodicity, are essential for crop physiology and influence quality and yield. The combination genotype and environment can be used to optimize to grow the best quality possible. After harvest, the quality cannot be improved but only preserved. Postharvest storage conditions and treatments can be optimized to preserve quality; long vase life of cut flowers, and post-production life of potted plants at the consumer. This Research Topic collects reviews and research papers that cover quality, production, and distribution chain of ornamental crops. It is aimed to bring together research on innovation, technology, and sustainability of ornamental plant production, in order to stimulate the development of ornamental crop research, particularly focused on cut and potted flowers and foliage. In the 20 articles published, both reviews and experimental, the most recent advances on ornamental plants as biotechnology, physiology, nutrition, propagation, and pre- and postharvest treatments are highlighted.