Effect of postharvest treatments on keeping quality of Phoenix roehelenii

Abstract

Wilting and yellowing of leaves are major postharvest problems that reduce export quality and vase life of cut foliage species. Phoenix roebelenii has export potential as cut leaves and it shows wilting appears 3 d after harvesting. A series of experiments were conducted at Tropiflora company to investigate the effect of hydration solution (Florissant 400C, water) with wax treatment, harvesting time (6.00, 8.00, 10.00 a.m., 12.00, 2.00, 4.00 & 6.00 p.m.) and irrigation (irrigated & non irrigated), preservative solutions (Citric acid, Vinegar, Sugar & Phyzan) and commercialf loral preservatives (Chrysal instant pac, Chrysalf oodpac, Chrysal professional 01 & Florissant 400C) on keeping quality of leaves. Water was used as the Control. All experiments were arranged as CRD with 4 replicates. The vase life is (14.75 d) significantly affected by hydration in water and wax treatment. No significant differences of leaffreshness or vase life of leaves harvested at 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. from irrigatedfields. Results indicate that preservative solutions of 5% Sugar, 200 ppm Phyzan and 500 ppm Citric acid increased vase life (13 d) than control. Immersing in 25 ppm GAS + 25 ppm BAP had beneficial effect on vase life (19 d) of Phonenix. Among the floral preservatives, Chrysalprofessional 01 showed longerf reshness. Hydrated (horizontal 6 h and vertical 12 h) with Chrysal professional 01 and wax treated leaves gave the highest vase life (27 d) and leaf freshness