Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2003: 5(1): 16-20

Influence of pulsing and dry cool storage on cut spikes of tuberose cv. 'Double'

Vinod Kumar; Bhattacharjee, S K; Suchitra ; Singh, K P

Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi - 110 012, India.

The effects of different pulsing treatments, i.e. 10% sucrose + 250 ppm aluminium sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) for 12 h, 10% sucrose + 0.5 mM silver thiosulfate (STS) for 12 h and 8% sucrose + 200 ppm 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-HQC) for 12 h, and durations of cold storage, i.e. 4 and 5 days, on the cut spikes of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) cv. Double were studied. Pulsing and cold storage improved the postharvest life and quality of tuberose cut flowers. Pulsing with 10% sucrose + 250 ppm Al2(SO4)3 for 12 h and cold storage of cut spikes for 4 days was the best treatment combination for rachis length, delay in wilting of first, third and last opened floret pair, extension of useful life, retention of fragrance, water uptake, opening of florets, increase in diameter and length of first, third and last opened floret pair, and vase life. This treatment also recorded the maximum vase life of 8.90 days.