Endogenous plant metabolites influence on shelf-life extension of tuberose flowers

Tuberose is highly valuable for making floral ornaments, bouquets, artistic garlands, button holes and essential oil. The present study aimed to increase the shelf life of loose flowers by the exogenous application of endogenous plant metabolites i.e. polyamines-putrescine and spermidine at 15 and 20 mg each and with two controls (with/ without packaging). The polyamine-dipped tuberose florets were packed in polyethylene zip covers (56 microns thickness & 1% ventilation), and stored at room temperature (32±1oC and 65 ± 3% RH). Results revealed that putrescine (20 mg) and spermidine (20 mg) treated florets had reduced physiological loss in weight and spoilage percentage with delayed flower opening, and higher sensory acceptance when compared to other treatments and also extended vase life (4 days). The shelf life of untreated flowers without a package was just on the harvested day. Thus, the exogenous application of polyamines had a synergic effect on the shelf life of tuberose loose flowers and can be effectively utilized in the supply chain of tuberose.