Evaluation of the vase life of different gladiolus cultivars (3 cvs.)

Date

10-1986

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Major Course

Major in Horticulture

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Abstract

Gladiolus is one cut flower species that has gained popularity from scientists, florist, and consumers. This is because of its attractiveness as a cut flower and its high value in the cut flower industry. It is available in many strains, thus making it interesting for varietal evaluation. This study compares the postharvest qualities of 3 varieties, determines appropriate handling methods to maintain their quality, and tries to identify the response to different treatments of locally produced cut gladioli.

Three varieties of gladiolus - 'American pink', 'American white', and 'Red Japanese' - were obtained from a farm in Baguio. They were placed in 200 ppm Physan 20 during storage.The study is composed of 3 experiments.

In Experiment I, gladiolus spikes were stored for different lengths of time from 1 to 3 weeks with a separate set of unstored spikes for control. They were observed under standard (temperature of 20 C, 40 to 80% RH, and light of about 200 lux) and ambient conditions after storage. The pink spikes stored for two weeks were found to have the longest vase life of 4.2 days, the best floret display of 6.2 florets during senescence of the basal floret, and the most number of opened florets (7 florets). Irrespective of variety and length of storage, spikes evaluated under standard conditions lasted longest, had better floret display, and the least percentage of accumulated weight loss.

Spikes of each variety used n Experiment it were harvested at two stages of maturity - the tight bud stage and the stage when the first two florets are showing color. They were stored for 1 and 2 weeks and were later evaluated under standard and ambient conditions. Tight bud 'American pink', spikes for stored for 2 weeks lasted longest for 6.3 days and had the least amount of weight loss if evaluated under standard conditions after storage. Florets in tight buds reached maximum diameter more slowly than those whose first florets were open initially; therefore, they lasted longer especially if observed under standard environment.

Experiment III involves pulsing of spikes also at the tight bud stage and when first florets were open. This means that spikes were treated with 20% sucrose solution for 12 hours at 20 C before one-week storage. They were again observed under standard and ambient conditions. Pulsing was found to be highly beneficial especially in prolonging vase life up to nearly 5 days, in opening as many as 8.3 florets per spike, and in 'Minimizing weight loss to only 5. 1 %.

in general, spikes at the tight bud stage gave better results than spikes whose florets have started to show color; spikes observed under standard condition performed better than those evaluated under ambient. 'American pink' spikes responded favorably to 2-week storage at 0-5 C while 'American white' florets responded with weak stems and unopened florets. 'Red Japanese' developed the largest florets among the three varieties. Pulsing spikes before one-week storage was beneficial and highly recommended.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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