Abstract
Poor post-production handling of bedding and seedling plants by mass-market outlets causes substantial quality reductions and product losses. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) may be a means to extend postharvest longevity and ease bedding plant handling. MAP, using heat sealed polyethylene bags, was tested with pansy, marigold, geranium, impatiens, California poppy, gazania, tomato, and pepper seedlings. Equilibrium O2 levels of 5-15% were generally reached within one to two weeks, while CO2 increased to 5% or more of the package atmosphere at equilibrium. Ethylene accumulated to more than .5ppm within 24 hours in some packages. Marigold seedlings had obvious leaf and stem distortion after 2-3 days. Maximum useful storage time varied from 2 weeks for tomato to greater than 8 weeks for pansy at 10C. Tomato and pepper seedlings were test marketed at a local supermarket.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
