The effect of cold storage on the vase life and quality of freshly harvested cut flower stems of Gloriosa superba L. (Glory Lily/Climbing Lily) placed in Standard Vase Solution solutions was investigated. The vase life and fresh weight of Gloriosa inflorescences were significantly affected by storage temperature. A significant difference resulted between "dry" (inflorescences stored in polythene bags) and "wet" storage in a preservative solution 'Standard Vase Solution' (NaHCO 3 125 mg/l, CaCl 2 .2H 2 O 99 mg/l, CuSO 4 .5H 2 O 1.2 mg/l introduced by van Meeteren et al., 1999) for flower quality features during vase life period. "Wet" storage (4 ºC for 7 d) of fully open Gloriosa flowers markedly improved flower keeping quality. Chlorophyll fluorescence values (F 0 , F m and F v) increased up to day 3 of vase period and then decreased over rest. Compared to other treatments, flowers kept at 4 ºC ("wet" storage) for 7 days maintained a higher photosynthetic yield (0.76) during vase period. There is a significant decrease of chlorophyll fluorescence yield with increased storage temperature. The CIE L*a*b* colour system (McGuire, 1992) was used to assess the colour of petals and leaves with a Chroma meter.There is a positive influence on L* (leaf lightness) and hue angle to longer vase life and fresh weight of flowers during vase period. However, there is no significant relationship of chroma value for vase life or fresh weight. Although visual quality could be maintained for up to 10 days in cold storage at 4 ºC, flower quality decreased notably after 7 days. Our results indicate that "wet" cold storage at 4 ºC for 7 days has the potential to be used for delaying inflorescence senescence, prolonging vase life and postharvest quality of Gloriosa cut flowers. Gloriosa is becoming an interesting floricultural crop in Europe. There is a potential to introduce it as a cut flower and as a potted plant to the international and European market.
In the current study Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume 'excellent' grown in Sri Lanka were used to apply postharvest treatments in Vienna, Austria. Stems with 5 or 6 leaves were treated with Standard Vase Solution (SVS), 8-HQS (biocide), Biovin (biological product), commercial preservatives (Chrysal, Flora, Flower fresh) and tap water (control). Foliage stems treated with 8-HQS produced the longest vase life (31.14 d) while the shortest vase life (18.90 d) occurred in Chrysal. There were no significant differences for vase life of foliage stems placed in Biovin, Flora, Flower fresh, tap water or 8-HQS (all around 30 days). Fresh weight of all treatments gradually declined over the vase period. For the investigated period, the differences in fresh weight of stems placed in tap water or floral preservatives were small and nonsignificant. Water transpiration and uptake continuously decreased in the vase period. However, higher transpiration was observed at senescence. Water uptake was positively correlated with vase life of croton. Low leaf tip osmotic potential and low Brix value at leaf base was correlated with lower vase life and general foliage appearance. Leaf colour components and chlorophyll fluorescence did not change significantly. Recutting of stems and refilling of the vases had a positive influence on leaf colour and fluorescence yield. Results indicated that physical quality traits (colour and foliage appearance) were slightly affected by floral preservatives. 8-HQS, Biovin and tap water and commercial preservatives (Flora, Flower fresh) most consistently had a positive influence on vase life, foliage colour and chlorophyll fluorescence yield.
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