Extending the Vase Life of Gerberas with Organic Compounds

Abstract

The popular cut flower gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) has a limited vase life at the end request of user because proper postharvest treatments are not used. Vulnerable to microbial contamination. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how various preservation solutions affected the cut Gerbera jamesonii flower (cv. Yeliz) quality and vase life. Cut flowers were placed in glass jars containing solutions in six different treatments: 100, 150, and 250 mg L-1 of citric acid; 100, 150, and 200 mg L-1 of thymol; and distilled water as a control. Fresh flower weight, water uptake, vase life, pH, EC, and pigment color assessment were among the parameters that were noted based on 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days of storage. According to the results, the solution containing 250 mg L-1 of citric acid produced the highest values for fresh weight, water uptake, and flower vase life and least color change of the flowers. This was followed by the solution containing 100 mg L-1 of thymol. Flowers treated with 200 mg L-1 of thymol had the lowest fresh weight and vase life performance. The quality and vase life of cut Gerbera jamesonii flowers were found to be significantly affected by the use of 250 mg L-1 citric acid in preservation solutions. In comparison to other treatments, high dosages of tyhmol (150 and 200 mg L-1) had a negative impact on floral quality and vase life.

Keywords

• Citric acid
• Cut flower
• Pigment color
• Postharvest
• Thymol

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