POST HARVEST CONSERVATION OF GLADIOLUS FLOWERS (GLADIOLUS COMMUNIS)

Gladiolus is one of the most marketable cut flowers in al Brazilian States, mainly Rio Grande do Sul.
Although the regular increasement production and commercialization, there are considerable post harvest loss, sometimes rising the rates to 50%, due to transpost difficulties and inefficient storage.

In order to minimize these losses, studies were conducted to determine the effects of some chemicals wich promote a later senescense, through the following treatments: control sample destillated water, potassium nitrate 40 ppm, gibberellic acid 60 ppm, magnesium sulfate 40 ppm.
After harvesting, the flower branches were immersed in the solutions, where they stayed till the senescense began.

Flowers were daily evaluated, through the grade criterion, considering the wilting of the first flowers as a sign of senescense.

In this test conditions, distilate water was more efficient in maintaining flowers quality and longevity, than the other tested products.

International Symposium on Protected Cultivation of Ornamentals in Mild Winter Climates

G.P. Nunes

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1989.246.45