Effects of 1-MCP and storage temperature on vase life of cut Mokara inflorescences

Abstract The effects of 1-MCP and storage temperatures on the vase life and other physiological characteristics of cut Mokara inflorescences were studied. The experiment was designed as a 4x2 factorial in CRD. The first factor was four levels of 1-MCP (0, 1, 2 and 4 sachets of EthylBloc with 2.5 gm per sachet containing 0.014% 1-MCP) and the second factor was 2 levels of storage temperature (27 and15 o C). After harvest, the inflorescences were sorted out for uniformity before being used in the experiment. Methods and dosage for application of EthylBloc (1-MCP) were as lower than (1 sachet), equal to (2 sachets) and higher than (4 sachets) the company's recommendation (2 sachets per box up to the volume of 3 ft 3 ). The inflorescences were packed along with the EthylBloc sachets in the 0.34 ft 3 cardboard boxes which were kept for 3 days at two different temperatures for simulated shipment. After unpacking, vase life, rate of respiration, ethylene production, water uptake, water balance and total sugars content were monitored. The results showed that the inflorescences treated and stored at 15 o C had a longer vase life of 12.0 days while at 27 o C the vase life was 10.2 days. Storage at lower temperature resulted in a lower rate of respiration. There was no significant effect of different levels of 1-MCP on Mokara vase life and other physiological characteristics. Additionally, there was no interaction between 1-MCP level and storage temperature on these parameters. Keywords: Mokara, 1-MCP, vase life, storage temperature Introduction Vase life is a yardstick for the longevity of cut flowers and is an important target for improving flower characteristics by chemical treatments. Like any other cut flower, orchids face vase life-related problems such as excessive water loss, decline in respirable substrates and sensitivity to exogenous or endogenous ethylene that hastens senescence and wilting of the flowers Recently, a non-toxic ethylene action inhibitor, the compound 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has been reported to prolong the display life of several horticultural commodities (Honghem et al., 2007) by acting as a competitor with ethylene for the binding site on ethylene receptor. The EthylBloc sachet containing 2.5 gm powder per sachet is a convenient application method that can extend the life and usefulness of many fresh cut flowers and potted flowers including orchids. The genus Mokara, a multigeneric vandaceous hybrid is a result of crosses among three genera (Arachnis x Ascocentrum x Vanda

Preharvest fruit bagging for better protection and postharvest quality of horticultural produce

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