Postharvest Techniques and Management for Dry Flowers

Aruna (Author), T.L. Preethi (Author), V. Ponnuswami (Author), V. Swaminathan (Author), R. Sankaranarayanan (Author)

9789380235868

Hardback, published 15 January 2011

222 pages
25 x 15 x 1.5 cm, 0.59 kg

There are numerous reasons for drying plant materials, one of which includes the abundance of available materials. It is estimated that approximately 80% of flower species can be successfully dried and preserved. Advanced training and costly equipment are not necessary to create a wide range of designs. Fresh flowers easily lose their market value and quality, but dried ornamentals can be sold for longer periods if properly preserved, packaged, and handled. Another distinct characteristic of dried ornamentals is their versatility, as they can be arranged in various crafts according to individual preferences, design, and use. This book aims to promote the use of dry flower technology among students of horticulture, agriculture, and enthusiasts.

• 1. Introduction
• 2. History of Dry Flowers
• 3. Dry Flower Industry
• 4. Harvesting of Dry Flowers
• 5. Natural and Air Drying
• 6. Press Drying
• 7. Drying by Embedding
• 8. Drying in Microwave Oven
• 9. Freeze Dried Flowers
• 10. Bleaching Flowers and Foliage
• 11. Natural and Chemical Dyes
• 12. Techniques to Dye Dried Flowers and Foliage
• 13. Methods to Create Skeleton Leaves
• 14. Annual Plants for Dry Flower Making
• 15. Perennial Plants for Dry Flower Making
• 16. Dried Grasses
• 17. Drying Foliage
• 18. Dried Petals
• 19. Dried Fruits and Pods
• 20. Artificial Flowers
• 21. Principles of Floral Arrangement
• 22. Value Added Dry Flower Products
• 23. Packing and Storage
• 24. Drift Wood
• 25. Review of Research in Dry Flower Technology