Effect of Pulsing With Different ¢hemical · Solutions on Post Harvest Quality of G~oiolus (Gladiolus Grandiflorus a.)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled " Effect of pulsing with different chemical solutions on post harvest quality of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus A.)" were under taken at the Horticulture Research Farm and post harvest laboratory , Department of Horticulture, S.V.B.P.University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, during 2005-2006. The first experiment "To standardize the chemical and its concentration for enhancing the vase life of gladiolus spikes." was comprised of four chemicals Viz. sucrose (4%), silver nitrate (50 and 100 ppm) ammonium sulphate (200 and 400 ppm), citric acid (1 00 and 200 ppm).Sucrose 4 % + AgNo3 (50 ppm) was found to be the best combination with respect to vase life and floret quality. The second experiment was" To study the influence of pre storage treatment on the post storage life of gladiolus spikes." With three chemicals viz. sucrose (20%), sodium thio sulphate (200 ppm) and GA3 (200 and 400 ppm) were used on different combinations. The pre storage (pulsing) with Sucrose 20% + STS (200 ppm)+ GA3 (400 ppm) was observed better to enhance the vase life and improved floret quality. The third experiment was "To determine appropriate stage of spikes harvesting for wet refrigerated storage." In this, four harvesting stages of cut spike i.e. S1. tight bud stage; 52, 5-6 buds show colour; 53, basal floret half opened; S4, basal floret fully opened, were used and stored at 4 ± 0.5 °C temperature for different durations i.e. 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 days. The vase life, percent opening of floret, water absorption and total number of florets open at one time were decreased with increased in duration of storage. However, the per cent change in fresh weight increased with increase in storage duration.