Microalga Chlorella sp. na pós-colheita de girassol de corte

Abstract

The ornamental flowers and plants sector in Brazil has grown significantly, with the ornamental sunflower standing out for its exuberance and versatility. However, one of the main challenges is post-harvest management, which can result in significant production losses. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of applying Chlorella sp. in the post-harvest conservation of ornamental sunflower stems cv. Vincent's Choice. The experiment was conducted with floral stems subjected to different Chlorella sp. application treatments (pulsing, spraying, and maintenance solution) in five doses (0; 5; 10; 15 or 20 mL L-1). The results indicated that the application via maintenance solution was superior to the pulsing and spraying methods and that the dose of 15 mL L-1 in the maintenance solution was the most effective, preserving structure, color, and resistance to wilting. The use of Chlorella sp. as a floral preservative becomes a sustainable and efficient alternative, reducing the need for chemical products and contributing to more ecological agricultural practices. This study suggests that the application of microalgae in the post-harvest of cut sunflowers can benefit producers and consumers, providing flowers with greater durability and quality.