EFFECT OF PRE-STORAGE TREATMENTS, PACKAGING FILMS AND COLD STORAGE ON FLOWER QUALITY AND CHILLING INJURY IN TUBEROSE (POLIANTHES TUBEROSA L.) CUT SPIKES CV. PRAJWAL

Abstract

The investigations were conducted to study the effect of pre-storage pulsing and cold storage with different poly film packaging on flower quality of tuberose cut spikes. Pre-storage pulsing with TDZ and α-lipoic acid and storage with poly film packaging comprising of HDPE, LDPE and PP at 2ºC temperature for a period of 15 days significantly influenced post storage quality and vase life of tuberose cut spikes. Tuberose cut spikes given pre- storage pulsing treatment with solution containing 100mg/L TDZ +15% sucrose or with 50mg/L α-lipoic acid + 15% sucrose for six hours, followed by packaging with HDPE 40 μ and stored at 2ºC for 15 days significantly improved physiological parameters like retained higher fresh weight (96.29%), increased per cent of total dissolve solids (10.91ºBrix), total soluble sugar level (15.01μg/mL) in florets tissue and vase life (7 days) as compared to all other treatments and control. These treatments further improved qualitative parameters like per cent floret opening (80%) and excellent overall quality (5%) with no symptoms of chilling injury. Tuberose cut spikes stored without any pulsing treatment, stored dry either without packaging or wet stored by holding in water were subject to severe chilling injury with inhibited bud opening after 15 days of cold storage.