Postharvest Effects of Dark Storage, Light Duration, and Source on Keeping Quality of Ficus benjamina L.1

Abstract

Abstract Ficus benjamina was stored in the dark for 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 days and then held in a simulated interior environment (SIE) for 12 weeks under 6, 12, or 24 hours/day light duration of either incandescent (INC) or Cool White fluorescent (CWF) lamps at 20 μE m−2s−1 photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Leaf drop was less and plant grade was higher with shorter dark storage periods. Plants lighted for 24 hours/day had less leaf drop and better plant grade than those lighted for shorter durations. Chlorophyll content was greater as light duration increased for plants held under CWF lamps. Plants lighted for 6 hr/day under INC lamps had the lowest chlorophyll content after 12 weeks in the SIE.