CONSIDERATIONS ON PHYTOSANITARY, NUTRIMENTAL AND POSTHERVEST MANAGEMENT OF HELICONIAS FOR ITS COMMERCIALIZATION

Abstract

Within the tropical ornamental species, the heliconias stand out due to the color of their bracts and their long vase life, which has caused an increase in their demand. These species conform a single genus, Heliconia, within the family Heliconiaceae of the order of the Zingiberales. In addition to their brilliant colors that impose innovative environments, and the growing market they have opened, these species have an outstanding importance in environmental stability because they serve as natural protection of the soil thanks to their extensive rhizomatous radical systems, they allow the infiltration of water from rain to the water table, and offer pollen and habitats to numerous beneficial insects and other pollinators. In addition, their its leaves serve to prepare foods such as tamales, and also to wrap fresh foods like cheeses and fruits. In the present work a review is made on the production systems of these ornamental species, especially regarding the sanitary, nutritional, postharvest and marketing management.