Research Articles
Maturity at harvest affects postharvest longevity of cut Calathea foliage
Authors:
LNS Perera ,
Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, LK
WAM Daundasekera,
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, LK
DSA Wijesundara
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, LK
Abstract
Foliage of Calathea aemula, C. lietzei and C. zebrina at four maturity stages, first, second, third and fourth fully expanded leaves (FEL) from the shoot apex, were subjected to vase life assessment in distilled water at 20°C and 70% RH. Leaf rolling was the factor leading to vase life termination. Chlorophyll content significantly decreased during vase life in all three species. The best harvesting maturity in relation to vase life varied among the species. At the time of harvest, chlorophyll content of the 1st FEL were significantly less than those of the 4th FEL in all three species. However, the chlorophyll content at harvest did not show a significant correlation with subsequent Calathea vase life.
Key words: chlorophyll; vase life; leaf rolling
DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1856
Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (2): 35-38, 2009
How to Cite:
Perera, L., Daundasekera, W. & Wijesundara, D., (2010). Maturity at harvest affects postharvest longevity of cut Calathea foliage. Ceylon Journal of Science (Biological Sciences). 38(2), pp.35–38. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1856
Published on 26 Apr 2010.
Peer Reviewed
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