Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

Ornamental fillers are important components of modern floriculture because they provide texture, volume, colour, structural balance and visual continuity in floral arrangements. Overall, this review synthesises information on the diversity, production, physiological quality, postharvest management, value addition, economics and sustainability of flowering fillers, foliage fillers, ornamental grasses and dried plant materials. Particular emphasis is placed on Gypsophila paniculata and Asparagus plumosus as representative flowering and foliage fillers. Available evidence shows that production conditions, including light, temperature, humidity, shade management, soil fertility, planting density and propagation practices, influence growth, chlorophyll content, stem quality and postharvest performance. Studies on coloured shade nets demonstrate that manipulation of the production environment can affect the physiological and commercial quality of cut foliage. Postharvest quality is further influenced by harvest maturity, hydration, microbial contamination, preservative treatments and temperature management. Dried and preserved fillers provide additional opportunities for product diversification and value addition. However, scientific information remains uneven among filler crops, and crop-specific production and postharvest protocols are limited for many species. Future research should integrate preharvest physiology with postharvest performance and address climate-resilient cultivation, propagation, breeding, sustainable preservatives, biodegradable packaging, cold-chain management and market-oriented quality improvement to support more consistent utilisation of ornamental fillers in floriculture.