Vol. 11, Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
Reethu GR, MD Jameel Jhalegar, SL Jagadeesh, Bhuvaneshwari G, Babu AG, Pavankumar P and Umme Seema N

Abstract:
Investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of different pre-cooling methods to extend shelf life of tuberose florets. The harvested flowers were treated with different pre-cooling methods (Pre-cooling at 4 ^oC, hydro cooling at 4 ^oC and by use of gel ice packs), followed by treatment with sucrose (10% and 4%) and boric acid (4% and 2%). Analysis was done in terms of physical and chemical characteristics of flowers. Among the three pre-cooling methods, flowers treated with 4% boric and pre-cooled at 4 ^oC showed better shelf life up to 4 days with least PLW (22.02%), respiration rate (94.43 ml CO₂ kg^-1 h^-1), witnessed minimum wilting (30.37%), recorded least polyphenol enzyme activity without adversely affecting physico-chemical qualities even up to 4 days of storage. Main objective is to study the response of pre-cooling methods and chemicals (sucrose and boric acid) on extending the marketability of tuberose flowers.