Effects of Active and Passive Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Vase Life and Quality of Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) ‘Shahla’ Cut Flowers

Abstract The production of ornamental flowers in the horticultural sector is costly; therefore, finding treatments to reduce postharvest losses and extend the vase life of cut flower is essential in this industry. The influence of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality parameters of cut flowers of Narcissus tazetta L. ‘Shahla’ during storage was investigated. The following gas compositions were studied: atmospheric composition (control), vacuum + atmospheric composition, 40% CO2 + 21% O2, 20% CO2 + 10% O2, 40% CO2 + 40% O2, and 0.03% CO2 + 40% O2. All treatments showed better performance compared to the control. The results showed that 20% CO2 + 10% O2 most increased the water uptake and relative fresh weight of cut flowers, resulting in the highest level of carbohydrates, extending the appearance quality time and vase life of cut flowers by 60%. The most extended vase life was related to cut flowers stored at 20% CO2 and 10% O2 (15.8 days), while the passive-MAP and vacuum packaging did not differ significantly and showed the lowest vase life, 9.2 and 9.9 days, respectively.