VASE WATER QUALITY IMPACT POSTHARVEST PERFORMANCE OF CUT Polianthes tuberosa L.‘SINGLE’ SPIKES

Abstract

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.), a high temperature tolerant geophyte is being successfully grown with minimal care, which makes it the only choice for the cut flower growers during summer season in Punjab, Pakistan. Currently growers, retailers and consumers hold their cut tuberose spikes in tap water. However, presence of salts in tap water poses threat to cut spikes and may shorten their postharvest longevity. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of water collected from various sources on postharvest longevity and keeping quality of cut tuberose spikes. The results demonstrated that spikes kept in carbonated plus distilled water (1:1) had longest vase life, with highest water uptake, and relative fresh weight. Moreover, it delayed floret opening time, increased open florets percentage and produced superior quality spikes as compared to other water sources. Spikes kept in distilled, deionized and reverse osmosis water also extended postharvest longevity of cut tuberose spikes. On the other hand, canal water or tap water available in local markets found unfit for handling cut tuberose spikes as these reduced vase life. Therefore, it is recommended that carbonated plus distilled water (1:1), distilled, deionized or reverse osmosis water should be used by the stakeholders instead of tap or canal water for extending vase life and maintaining quality of cut tuberose spikes.

Optimal planting density for cut Lilium and tuberose production

“…However, Mishra et al (2002) recorded higher number of florets per stems in higher planting density. Tuberose had more florets per stem compared to lilium, which might be due to the genetic differences, growth habit and their potential on various agroclimatic conditions (Blaine, 1999;Balaram et al, 2009). Stem fresh and dry weight was increased when bulbs of both species were planted at wider spacing, which might be due higher nutrition uptake (Kazaz et al, 2011).…”

“…Pakistani areas with cool temperate winter have the potential for commercial cultivation of this fabulous exotic plant on large scale to diversify and improve local cut flower industry. Similarly, tuberose is the only bulbous cut flower which is available during hot summer months and is a hardy bulbous cut flower Asif et al, 2016).…”