VASE LIFE STUDIES ON Dracaena reflexa CUT DECORATIVE SHOOTS

Abstract

Wilting and color change of Dracaena leaves are major post harvestproblems in exportation. This study is an attempt to overcome these problemsand to improve vase life of Dracaena cut stems. Experiments were done atGreen Farms Ltd. Marawila to investigate post harvest handling of Dracaenareflexa to maintain export quality and freshness. Series of experiments wereconducted to investigate management practices; effect of glycerol solution(pure glycerol in 1,3 & 5hrs); effect of immersing one hour (using KMn04 2,5 & 10pmm); effect of sucrose solution (2, 5 & 10%); effect of KMn04 (2, 5& lOppm) for cultivars of Dracaena reflexa "Reflex a Green", "Song ofJamaica" and "Song of India". Treatments were arranged in completerandomized design with 4 replicates each. Data were analyzed using SASstatistical programme with analysis of variances. Mean separation was doneusing LSD on parametric procedures.

The results revealed that wilting, color change and rotting, of Dracaenareflexa cultivars were not significantly affected by post harvest solutions ofKMn04 and sucrose compared to the control (tap water). However, pureglycerol (dipped for 1hr) and tap water maintained vase life of "Song ofJamaica" for 21days. Damaged cuttings showed Erwinia infection after 10-12days during vase period (CV = 05.628813). Results in general show avoidinginjury to specimens, and this helps to maintain the quality of the products.Many infections can be avoided by keeping the specimens dry. Experimentsproved that maximum vase life of Dracaena cuttings could be achieved bymaintaining proper management practices and sanitation conditions in a coldroom.