Harvest Maturity Stages and Postharvest Handling of Cut and Loose Flowers

• Red Rose $\rightarrow$ (II) When first two petals unfurl: Harvested at the loose-bud stage when the first 1–2 outer petals begin to unfold from the corolla cone.
• Carnation (Spray cultivars) $\rightarrow$ (III) Two fully opened flowers/branch: Harvested when at least two individual florets on the spray stem are fully open and other buds show color.
• Orchid $\rightarrow$ (IV) Fully open flowers: Harvested strictly when flowers are fully open, as tight closed buds fail to open post-harvest.
• Tulip $\rightarrow$ (I) When buds exhibit half colour: Harvested at the coloring stage when the petals show half of their characteristic varietal coloration.
• Correct Combination: (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I), matching Option 1.

Correct option: (1) (A) - (I), (B) - (INN), (C) - (IY), (B) - 0)