Water relations in post-harvested torch ginger affected by harvest point and carnauba wax

Abstract

The use of post-harvest techniques that enhance quality and longevity of cut flowers is essential for successful marketing. However, for some species the most appropriate procedures are still unknown. The aim of this work was to evaluate the storability and post-harvest quality of flower stems of torch ginger harvested at two stages of flower opening, treated or not with carnauba wax, and stored at 16 or 21 °C. Carnauba wax (0, 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0% w/v) was applied to flowers at two stages of opening (semi-open and open bracts). Evaluations were performed every other day for 20 d. Visual quality was analysed by means of a grading scale; and relative fresh weight, water absorption, transpiration, water balance and bract anatomy were assessed. Carnauba wax was deposited as epicuticular sheets, but its application had no effect on the physiological or visual quality of the floral stems. Semi-open stage provided better visual quality for a larger number of days during the tested period of storage, along with physiological responses that contributed to the improvement of post-harvest longevity.