Effect of Pulsing on Postharvest Longevity of Cut Leaves of Lace Fern/Bridal Fern (Asparagus setaceus syn. Plumosus)

Abstract

Loss of appealing quality characteristics and rapid desiccation within a short period after detaching from mother plants is one of the major problems in cut foliages. Effect of pulsing with benzyl adenine (BA), 8-Hydroxy Quinoline citrate (8-HQC) and sucrose on vase life of cut leaves of Asparagus setaceus syn. Plumosus was investigated. Two durations of pulsing viz., 12 and 24 h were employed. Pulsing for 12 h with BA (25 ppm) + 8-HQC (200 ppm) + 10 % sucrose resulted in higher fresh weight at senescence.The lowest physiological loss in weight was registered by the cut foliages pulsed for 24 h with BA (25 ppm) + 8-HQC (200 ppm) + 10 % sucrose. Pulsing the cut foliages for 24 h with BA (25 ppm) + 8-HQC (200 ppm) + 10 % sucrose resulted in the maximum uptake of water and registered the highest water balance. The lowest transpirational loss of water was found to be associated with foliages pulsed with 10 % sucrose alone for 24 h. The foliages pulsed with BA (25 ppm) + 8-HQC (300 ppm) + 10 % sucrose for 24 h registered lowest ratio between water loss and water uptake. Results suggest that application of 10 % sucrose+BA (25 ppm) + 8-HQC (200 ppm) as a pulse treatment for 24 h can be recommended to prolong the postharvest life (28.50 days) through delayed leaf senescence and thus enhance the marketability of cut leaves of Asparagus setaceus syn. Plumosus.