Treatments to prolong the postharvest life of Heliconia wagneriana Petersen

Abstract

Tropical flowers have a growing market due to their exotic appearance and thus postharvest techniques are necessary to prolong their shelf life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of wax and salicylic acid (1 mM) in reducing chilling injury and increase the vase life in stems of Heliconia wagneriana stored at low temperature. For that, 120 stems were harvested in a commercial area. From these, 60 stems were waxed and air-dried; while 60 unwaxed stems served as controls. Then 2 groups of 48 stems from both treated and control were cold-stored at 13 °C and 84 % RH for 5 and 10 days. After storage, the stems were placed either in salicylic acid solution (1 mM) or tap water. The remaining stems (12 waxed and 12 control) were kept at room temperature. The variables evaluated were anatomical characteristics, fresh weight loss, solution uptake, vase life, enzymatic activity (polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase), and membrane integrity. The wax coating maintained the fresh weight and extended the vase life of the stored stems under room temperature for up to 2 more days. The vase life of the cold-stored stems of 5 and 10 days was extended by 3 and 2 more days respectively, as compared to the control. No significant effect was observed for the use of salicylic acid (1 mM). The bracts tissue of the waxed stems showed lower enzymatic activity, reflected in lower oxidative stress compared to the control. Tropical species as heliconia present a very low water absorption, then the use of wax coating is recommended to preserve the turgidity and shelf life of the stems.

Starch-based films for Red Torch ginger inflorescences postharvest conservation

“…Under stress, in this case due to the cutting of the stems associated with the senescence process, there is an increase in reactive oxygen species that are responsible for oxidizing and modifying the cellular components (Carrera-Alvarado et al, 2021). The rapid loss of quality and senescence of Red Torch ginger stems is directly correlated with the absence of enzymes SOD and CAT that would be responsible for the antioxidative process Hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation H 2 O 2 (Figure 12 A) and lipid peroxidation (Figure 12 B) showed similar responses.…”

Aportes Científicos en El Cultivo De Heliconias en México

“…Sin embargo, las combinaciones no fueron efectivas para extender la vida en florero de las especies seleccionadas (Leyva-Ovalle et al, 2011). Carrera-Alvarado et al (2021), evaluaron la efectividad de la cera y el ácido salicílico (1 mM) para reducir el daño por frío y aumentar la vida de florero en tallos de Heliconia wagneriana petersen almacenado a 13 °C. No encontraron efecto significativo para el uso de ácido salicílico (1 mM).…”