Influence of Pulsing Treatments on Post-Harvest Longevity of Spikes of Dutch Iris (Iris hollandica)

Pulsing treatments has a significant influence on the post-harvest quality of spikes of Dutch iris (Iris hollandica) cv. Prof Blaauw. This study was conducted according to completely randomised design to improve the vase life of cut iris spikes using various pulsing treatments. Fresh weight of the spikes increased up to sixth day in control and then declined. All the pulse-treated spikes gained fresh weight up to day eighth and was recorded maximum in spikes treated with sucrose 3% + 8-HQS (8 hydroquinoline sulphate) 300 ppm on day tenth. Improved water uptake and reduced water loss in pulse-treated spikes resulted in better water balance, which was recorded maximum (10.13 g) under sucrose 3% + 8-HQS 300 ppm treatment and minimum (2.67 g) in control. Significant improvement was recorded in the floret size due to pulsing treatments. Maximum length and width of fall petal (7.72 and 3.68 cm) and standard petal (8.07 and 2.53 cm) was recorded in spikes pulsed with sucrose 3% + 8-HQS 300 ppm. Pulsing treatment significantly improved the vase life of the spikes which increased from 10.45 days in control to 13.49 days in sucrose 3% + 8-HQS 300 ppm treatment followed by 13.09 days in sucrose 3% + cobaltous chloride 200 ppm and 13.04 days in sucrose 1.5% + 8-HQS 300 ppm.