Aechmea distichantha Lem. (Bromeliaceae): postharvest durability and potential as ornamental cut flower

Abstract

Aechmea distichantha Lem. (Bromeliaceae): postharvest durability and potential as ornamental cut flower 1The cut flowers segment has an important share in the Brazilian floriculture market. However, most of the species traded are exotic because of the severe lack of information about the ornamental potential of the Brazilian flora. On the other hand, a trend observed in landscaping and floriculture is the use of native species, leading to their conservation, propagation and valuation. This study aimed to analyze the potential of Aechmea distichantha Lem. (Bromeliaceae), a species native to Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, as ornamental cut flower by evaluating postharvest durability, as well as morphometric and aesthetic parameters. Floral scapes were harvested and kept in containers with tap water. Morphometric measurements, evaluation of commercially important esthetic parameters, and monitoring of postharvest durability were performed. In addition, an online questionnaire was applied to potential consumers to assess the acceptance of the species as a cut flower. The vase life of A. distichantha floral scapes was 10.1 ± 1.5 days, which in addition to size, shape, structure, colors, and originality make them commercially viable as cut flower. The species was accepted by more than 90% of the potential consumers assessed. Therefore, A. distichantha has great potential for the cut flowers market.