Post-Harvest Life of Cut Chrysanthemum Cultivars in Relation to Chemicals, Wrapping Material and Storage Conditions

Abstract

A study was conducted to examine the efficacy of chemicals, wrapping material and storage conditions on post-harvest life of chrysanthemum cultivars Snowball Yellow and Snowball White. Vase life and flower quality were significantly influenced by chemicals, wrapping material and storage conditions. Minimum weight loss of spikes, maximum total water absorbed, flower diameter and vase life were obtained in treatment T2 (4% sucrose) as compared to control (Tap water). Significant effect of wrapping material and storage condition were also observed on per cent weight loss, total water absorbed maximum flower diameter and vase life in both the cultivars. Wrapping of spikes in PP 200 gauge with refrigerated storage at 3-4°C for 3 days + 6 hours of simulated transit (T₃S₂) resulted in minimum percent weight loss, maximum total water absorbed, flower diameter and maximum vase life in both the cultivars.