Articles
Identification of a harvest index for Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron sp. Xantal leaves for ornamental use
Article number
1340_37
Pages
235 – 240
Language
English
Abstract
Leaves of tropical ornamental plants exhibit a short vase life.
Symptoms include yellowing and disease.
These defects are associated with genetic and environmental factors but mainly associated with leaf age at harvest.
Our research aimed to identify a harvest index to improve postharvest quality and extend vase life. Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron sp. Xantal plants were grown under 70% permanent shading.
Fifty young leaves of M. deliciosa and 25 leaves of Philodendron were tagged prior to expansion.
Weekly measurements included foliar area, dry weight, color (CIE L*a*b* values, and indirect chlorophyll content (SPAD). Data were plotted against leaf age after full expansion and regression analysis was performed.
In a second experiment, leaves of Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron sp. Xantal were harvested at four developmental stages, commercially packed, and subjected to simulated shipping conditions.
During vase life at 20°C with 12 h of daylight, the incidence and severity of leaf yellowing, and the incidence of mechanical damage and disease were evaluated with rating scales.
SPAD value was highly correlated with leaf age (R2=0.787 for Monstera and R2=0.791 for Philodendron). In the commercial simulation trial, mature leaves (64 d after leaf expansion and with the highest SPAD value) showed less incidence of yellowing, disease, and mechanical damage during vase life.
Chlorophyll content, measured as SPAD value, was a suitable harvest index and predictor of vase life.
Symptoms include yellowing and disease.
These defects are associated with genetic and environmental factors but mainly associated with leaf age at harvest.
Our research aimed to identify a harvest index to improve postharvest quality and extend vase life. Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron sp. Xantal plants were grown under 70% permanent shading.
Fifty young leaves of M. deliciosa and 25 leaves of Philodendron were tagged prior to expansion.
Weekly measurements included foliar area, dry weight, color (CIE L*a*b* values, and indirect chlorophyll content (SPAD). Data were plotted against leaf age after full expansion and regression analysis was performed.
In a second experiment, leaves of Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron sp. Xantal were harvested at four developmental stages, commercially packed, and subjected to simulated shipping conditions.
During vase life at 20°C with 12 h of daylight, the incidence and severity of leaf yellowing, and the incidence of mechanical damage and disease were evaluated with rating scales.
SPAD value was highly correlated with leaf age (R2=0.787 for Monstera and R2=0.791 for Philodendron). In the commercial simulation trial, mature leaves (64 d after leaf expansion and with the highest SPAD value) showed less incidence of yellowing, disease, and mechanical damage during vase life.
Chlorophyll content, measured as SPAD value, was a suitable harvest index and predictor of vase life.
Authors
M.J. Guillén-Carvajal, M. Ramírez-Sánchez, M.V. Sáenz-Murillo, M.V. Gutiérrez-Soto
Keywords
foliage, leaf age, leaf development, leaf senescence, vase life, yellowing
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