Improvement in postharvest performance of cut scapes of Nerine sarniensis red by the application of growth regulators

Freshly cut scapes of Nerine sarniensis red were used to study the effect of some growth regulators [kinetin (Kin), benzylaminopurine (BAP) and gibberellin (GA3)] on their postharvest performance. The addition of growth regulators in vase solutions (with or without sucrose) resulted in the enhancement of vase life in cut scapes. Maximum vase life of eight and nine days was recorded in scapes kept in vase solutions containing 50 mg/L Kin + 51.3 g/L Sucrose (Kin 50 mg/L+SUC) and 25 GA3 + 51.3 g/L Sucrose (GA3 25 mg/L + SUC) respectively. Scapes kept in vase solutions containing growth regulators were found to maintain membrane integrity, higher fresh and dry mass of flowers and higher soluble protein content in perianth tissues as compared to that of the corresponding scapes transferred to distilled water (DW) or 51.3 g/L sucrose (0.15 M SUC). Moreover, the addition of growth regulators to vase solutions was not found to have any significant effect on the rate of flower opening when compared to that of respective controls. The present results indicate that growth regulators at optimum concentrations can be used as effective postharvest treatments for delaying flower senescence, prolonging the vase life and enhancing post harvest quality of cut Nerine scapes.