Exploring the impact of dry conditioning on the postharvest quality and longevity of torch ginger flower stems

Abstract

Dry conditioning and sucrose pulsing are techniques used to improve the durability of flower stems. Dry conditioning helps to balance the osmotic potential of the flower stems and can be applied after harvest and transportation. The objective was to evaluate how different dry conditioning times followed by sucrose pulsing may affect the postharvest quality, durability, and physiological aspects of torch ginger flower stems. For this purpose, flower stems were collected and submitted to dry conditioning for different periods: 0-h, 3-h, 6-h, 12-h, and 24-h. Every 3 days, visual quality, percentage of true flowers, absorption rate, water content, fresh and dry weights, and colorimetric parameters were evaluated. The concentration of pigments, biochemistry of the antioxidant system, and macromolecules were analyzed. Dry conditioning for more than 12-h is not recommended as it leads to a loss of quality and durability in torch ginger flower stems and accelerates senescence. The absorption rate decreases and pigments break down after this period, while H 2 O 2 and lipid peroxidation concentrations increase. Furthermore, sugar and protein reserves are consumed during senescence. It is recommended to hydrate harvested stems immediately to avoid the negative effects of dry conditioning on postharvest quality and durability.

Image-based approach for postharvest characterization of Red Torch inflorescences

“…The use of senescence scales can reduce the subjectivity of postharvest estimates, allowing better quality stems to be marketed and increasing the useful life of the flowers. That is, the use of these scales allows quantification of the time required for flowers to reach consumers at a high-quality level, allowing a longer ornamental use (Cunha Neto et al 2023. Thus, to ensure the quality and durability of flowering stems, Red Torch inflorescences should be harvested before the inflorescences fully open and true flowers appear in the closed or semi-open inflorescences.…”

“…Native to Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Etlingera elatior (William Jack) Rosemary Margaret Smith, popularly known as Red Torch ginger, is a tropical species of the family Zingiberaceae. The family includes several species with applications in horticulture, mainly for use in cooking, medicine, ornamentation, and landscaping (Cunha Neto et al 2023, Yunus et al 2021.…”