Optimal postharvest handling protocols for cut ‘Line Dance’ and ‘Tap Dance’ Eremurus inflorescences

Abstract

Eremurus, commonly known as Foxtail lily, is a novel, commercially important specialty cut flower, but postharvest handling procedures need to be optimized for longest vase life. Cut inflorescences of ‘Line Dance’ and ‘Tap Dance’ eremurus were evaluated for optimal harvest stage, harvest procedures, effects of anti-ethylene agents, and storage methods and duration. Also, the effects of commercial hydrators, hydrators along with holding preservatives, or continuous use of floral foam saturated with or without commercial preservatives were investigated. Inflorescences of both cultivars harvested with 0 florets open had longer vase life than stems harvested with 3–5 rows of florets opened. Handling of ‘Line Dance’ stems in water after harvest extended the vase life, but reduced the vase life of ‘Tap Dance’ compared to inflorescences handled dry. Application of anti-ethylene agents had no significant effect on eremurus longevity. Inflorescences of both cultivars stored for 1 week had similar vase life as of unstored stems irrespective of dry or wet storage. Storage longer than 1 week greatly reduced the vase life of both cultivars. Use of either or both hydrator and holding preservatives did not result in significant differences in vase life for both cultivars, while pulsing with 10% sucrose supplemented with an antimicrobial agent, isothiazolinone at 0.007mLL−1, for 24h extended vase life by 2.2 or 1.9d for ‘Line Dance’ and ‘Tap Dance’ inflorescences, respectively, compared with tap water. Inflorescences of ‘Line Dance’ kept continuously in commercial preservatives had longest vase life compared with tap water and use of floral foam reduced vase life. However, inflorescences of ‘Tap Dance’ kept continuously in floral foam saturated with tap water, or just Floralife Clear Professional Flower food had longest vase life.