ISHS Acta Horticulturae 543: VII International Symposium on Postharvest Physiology of Ornamental Plants
EFFECTS OF GROWING CONDITIONS ON THE SHELF LIFE OF FICUS BENJAMINA |
| Authors: | A. Bulle, M. de Jongh |
| Abstract:
Ficus benjamina is very sensitive for leaf drop and, the variegated varieties, also for leaf browning. For consumers these problems are the most important postharvest problems of Ficus benjamina. Leaf browning occurs only in the white parts of the leaves. Leaf drop and leaf browning can occur both in young and in older leaves. There are large differences in keeping quality of plants from different growers, but also between plants coming from the same greenhouse on different times. Because of the large differences in keeping quality of plants harvested within e few days, growing conditions must have an effect on the shelf life of Ficus benjamina. Leaf drop and leaf browning can be reduced by placing the plants under high light conditions after the cultivation and transport period. Probably an acclimatization period before harvest with a lower light intensity can reduce leaf drop and leaf necrosis. Experiments were done to examine the effects of an acclimatization period with a lower light intensity during a short period before harvest. The results showed that shelf life of non-acclimatized plants had a very bad postharvest life in summer. When in this time of the year an acclimatization period was used less leaf drop and leaf browning was seen. In autumn the shelf life was best when no acclimatization period was used. It was remarkable that as soon as the acclimatization period was started, shelf life of shaded plants was worser than of non-shaded plants. An acclimatization period should last at least three weeks for a better keeping quality. | |
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