Describe the harvesting of pyrethrum and state four precautions when harvesting pyrethrum.

Here are the descriptions for harvesting pyrethrum and the precautions to take: a) Describe the harvesting of pyrethrum Step 1: Select mature flowers. Pick only those flowers having horizontal petals (ray flowers) with 2-3 rows of disc florets open. Step 2: Use proper picking technique. Use the forefingers and thumb to pick the flowers. Step 3: Adhere to picking intervals. Picking intervals are typically 14-21 days, depending on weather conditions, clone used, and soil conditions. Step 4: Ensure no stem is attached. Pick by twisting the stem so that no stem is attached to the flower head. Step 5: Store flowers correctly after picking. Put the picked flowers in a woven basket. b) State four precautions when harvesting pyrethrum Step 1: Ensure proper ventilation for picked flowers. Picked flowers should be put into an open woven basket to allow proper ventilation. Step 2: Avoid unsuitable storage materials. Polythene bags and tins should not be used during picking due to the risk of fermentation. Step 3: Prevent compaction of flowers. Flowers should not be compacted during picking, as this will cause them to heat up and lower their pyrethrum content. Step 4: Avoid picking wet flowers. Wet flowers should not be picked as they heat up and ferment easily, which degrades quality. 3 done, 2 left today. You're making progress.