Poinsettia Postharvest


	Postharvest, also known as postproduction, deals with how a plant is handled and performs after it leaves a production environment. The postharvest area of study generally ranges from determining at what stage a plant is ready for market to determining proper storage, transport, retail and consumer conditions all with the goal being to maximize crop performance and quality. Many factors influence the postharvest performance of plants. All segments of production and cultural practices, including genetic influence (cultivar), nutrition, irrigation practices, growing media, and production environment play a major role. Crop quality must be at the highest level when a plant leaves the production facility. Conditions during distribution and retail displays will only maintain plant quality--it will not increase during distribution and retail marketing. Providing proper transport, distribution, and retail conditions is the other vital link in maintaining and promoting postproduction plant quality.