Abstract
Cut foliage of Dieffenbachia maculata and Dieffenbachia amoena were subjected to continuous treatment with several foliage preservatives and export simulation. The preservatives used were 1.75% of sodium hypochlorite, 5% vinegar and Vim™ dish washing detergent. Tap water without any added chemicals was used as the control. The highest vase life of 45.1 days was observed in D. maculata cut foliage when subjected to continuous treatment with tap water. Cut foliage of D. maculata subjected to continuous treatment with 0.016% (v/v) dish washing detergent (Vim™) solution and 0.016% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and subjected to export simulation for two days at 12-14° C and 85-90% relative humidity (RH), had relatively longer vase life of 38.9 days and 37 days respectively. Cut foliage of D. amoena had the longest vase life of 21 days when subjected to 0.016% NaOCl treatment and export simulation. NaOCl which is considered as a biocide and mild vinegar solution which is acidic inhibited the bacterial growth in vase solutions increasing the vase life of cut foliage. A Bacillus sp. and a Staphylococcus sp. were associated with vase solutions of D. maculata and D. amoena cut foliage. Treatment with NaOCl and Vim™ satisfactorily extended the vase life of cut foliage of D. amoena and D. maculata respectively and could be recommended as preservatives for use during export. Key words: cut foliage; export; sodium hypochlorite; vinegar; bacteria DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i2.2999 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 39 (2): 129-136, 2010
Highlights
Species of Dieffenbachia Schott (Family Araceae) are house plants that tolerate a wide range of indoor conditions and low levels of sun light and humidity
NaOCl which is considered as a biocide and mild vinegar solution which is acidic inhibited the bacterial growth in vase solutions increasing the vase life of cut foliage
Vase life During continuous treatment, the longest vase life of 45.1 days for D. maculata cut foliage was obtained with the tap water treatment, followed by Vim TM and vinegar solutions with a vase life of 41.9 days and 41.1 days respectively
Summary
Species of Dieffenbachia Schott (Family Araceae) are house plants that tolerate a wide range of indoor conditions and low levels of sun light and humidity They are popular in homes and indoor environments due to their colourful, large leaves with shades of green alternating with white or shades of yellow, in a wide variety of patterns. The action of various preservatives in plant metabolism is to keep the tissue cells active and alive for a longer time to sustain the postharvest life of cut foliage and cut flowers (Butt, 2005) Mild biocides such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and aluminium sulphate [(Al2(SO4)3] prevent the growth of bacteria in vase solutions even though, vase solution is alkaline. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of selected foliage preservatives, identified as eco friendly, in maintaining freshness and lengthening of vase life of cut foliage of two Dieffenbachia species under simulated export conditions
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