Postharvest physiology and technology of the tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.): an ornamental flower native to Mexico

Pulsing on the postharvest physiology of two cultivars of Polianthes tuberosa L.

“…Relative fresh weight and water uptake There was a 16%-23% increase in the relative fresh weight of pulsed spikes compared to controls ( Figure 1A). The latter was true regardless of cultivar type ('Mexican Single' or 'The Pearl') and was likely due to both an increase in water uptake (hydration) and a reduction in weight loss as mentioned by Pérez et al (2016). This is the first report of post-harvest behavior in 'Mexican Single', however, and it is remarkable that its response to pulsing be so similar to that of 'The Pearl' -at least in this regard (Figure 1 A).…”

“…This large variation has been attributed by some either to the type of water being used (tap, distilled, deionized, etc.) or to the particular cultivar studied (Pérez et al, 2019).…”

“…It occupies an important position among bulbous crops as it remains a popular floral note in perfumery and can be used as both a cut-flower and pot ornamental (Kameswari et al, 2014). Tuberose inflorescences can reach 90 cm in height and may contain 30 flowers or more -all of which open acropetically (Pérez et al, 2019). In Mexico, the states of Morelos, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Veracruz and Puebla concentrate most of the country's commercial production (306.15 hectares in all 5 states combined) and generate 61.9 million pesos annually (approximately 3.0 million USD).…”

“…For instance, a commonly used harvest index is the presence of 2-3 open buds on a spike. Flowers cut this way, however, last approximately 3 days -and the whole inflorescence a further 4-7 days (7-10 days total) (Pérez et al, 2019). Additionally, less than 50% of buds usually open after harvest and the rest generally fall after several days (Wahitaka et al, 2001).…”

“…Tuberose vase life can be extended either by pulsing with certain chemicals or by immersing in preservative solutions. Pulsing with 2-4% sucrose, for instance, increases the number of open flowers (Wahitaka et al, 2001) whereas pulsing with 4-20% sucrose alone or in combination with hydroxyquinoline citrate (200 mg L -1 ), citric acid (2%) + silver nitrate (20 mg L -1 ) or silver thiosulfate (1-2 mM), increases both postharvest life (10 and 20 days, respectively) and floral opening (60-88%) (Pérez et al, 2019). Arief (2016) attributes the success of floriculture in developed countries like the Netherlands to an increased understanding of the postharvest physiology and senescence of commercially important species.…”