ISHS Acta Horticulturae 343: Physiological Basis of Postharvest Technologies
POSTHARVEST LIFE OF GLADIOLUS AS INFLUENCED BY SUCROSE AND METAL SALTS |
| Authors: | T.P. Murali, T.V. Reddy |
| Abstract:
Investigations were carried out to extend the postharvest life of gladiolus (G. hortensis cv. Friendship) through the use of sucrose and metals including cobalt, silver thiosulfate (STS), nickel, aluminium, calcium and zinc. Combination of sucrose and metals enhanced the water uptake by cut gladiolus spikes. Water loss: water uptake ratio was reduced by the treatments. The time during which the positive water balance was maintained within the cut flower was also extended, as a result of which there was a significant increase in the fresh weight of flowers. Fresh weight was maximum with sucrose + cobalt combinations. Vase life increase by sucrose + metals combinations ranged from 19 to 76%. Sucrose + cobalt combinations proved most effective, recording a maximum vase life of 12 days followed by sucrose + STS combination (11 days) as against control (7 days). An increase in membrane permeability as indicated by either ion leakage or Malondialdehyde (a degradative product of lipid peroxidation) was found to be delayed or reduced by the use of sucrose and metals. In addition, the treatment with metal salts was found to reduce ethylene evolution by gladiolus spikes. | |
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