Influence of post-harvest treatments on modified atmosphere low temperature stored Gladiolus cut spikes

Abstract

Influence of post-harvest treatments viz., pulsing and preservative solution comprising of 8-hydroxy quinoline (8-HQ) and sucrose on modified atmosphere low temperature (MALT) stored gladioli were investigated. MALT storage of Gladiolus comprised of polypropylene (60 μ) packaging and storage at 6-10°C temperature for a duration of 5, 10 and 15 days. The pre-storage pulse treatment (300 ppm 8-HQ for 1 hour and 20% sucrose for 12 hours) and post storage preservative solution treatment (300 ppm 8-HQ + 5% sucrose) significantly enhanced the vase life, bud opening, water uptake by spikes and content of reducing and non-reducing sugars in the petals as compared to untreated MALT stored as well as fresh cut gladioli. MALT stored gladioli given pre-storage pulsing and post-storage preservative solution recorded higher activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase, decreased activity of lipoxygenase enzyme and level of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbutaric acid reactive substance) in the petals on 5th day of vase life after storage. These results suggest that the post-harvest treatment of pre-storage pulsing with 300 ppm 8-HQ for 1 hour + 20% sucrose for 12 hours; post-storage treatment of 300 ppm 8-HQ + 5% sucrose maintains higher water uptake, improves anti-oxidative defence, reduces lipid peroxidation, decreases ion leakage, leading to a delay in flower senescence and improved bud opening of 5 and 10 days MALT stored gladioli.