Ch.1 Harvest & Distribution Flashcards
What is the route of distribution?
The growth, harvest, and transport of flowers from grower to final consumer
What are some post harvest technologies that have increased vase life?
- Timing of harvest
- Steps to proper harvest
- After harvest care
- New varieties (hybrids)
- New preservatives and techniques
- Packing and shipping standards
- Speed of Shipping
- Electronic commerce and resources
What is the domestic market?
Grown and distributed in country (local/USA)
What is the foreign market?
Grown in one country and sold and distributed in other countries
What is the worldwide market?
The combination of domestic and foreign market
What are the top 5 countries for domestic flower use?
- United States
- Mexico
- Japan
- China
- Italy
What are the top 5 consumption countries?
- United States
- Germany
- France
- Switzerland
- Great Britain
What are the top 2 resale countries?
- Netherlands
2. Dubai
What are the top 5 countries the USA imports from?
- Columbia
- Ecuador
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
What is harvest?
Removing leaves, flowers, or foliages from a plant
What happens right after harvest?
Flowers are graded, bunched, sleeved, conditioned, and packed
How are flowers harvested?
By hand using sharp scissors, knives, or shears
What time should flowers be harvested? Why?
In the early morning because that is when they have the highest carbohydrate levels
How does stage of bud development affect the flower crop?
If cut too early, petals could be too small and lack color
If cut too mature, they won’t ship well and vase life is decreased
If harvested prematurely, they will not open
What is a bud-opening solution?
A solution used to increase the flower opening process
What is grading?
Allows for fresh flower quality control
What are flowers graded on?
- Stem length
- Stem straightness
- Stem strength
- Flower size
- Petal count
- Uniformity
- Freedom from defects (disease, damage)
What is bunching?
The grouping of flowers into predetermined bundles to sell
What is sleeving?
Wrapping flowers in paper or plastic for protection during shipment
What is listed on the sleeves?
Name of flower, grower, color, UPC code
What is conditioning?
The process of preparing flowers for shipment, storage, or arrangement
What is rehydration?
The process of providing water to flowers after harvest to quickly hydrate flowers
What is pulsing?
The process of giving flowers a surge of carbohydrates prior to shipping
What is a tinting?
The process of changing the color of flowers through artificial dyes
