INVESTIGATION OF VASE LIFE PACKAGE ON Codiaeum Variegatum CUT DECORATIVE SHOOTS

Abstract

Croton is one of the exportable type foliage species in Sri Lanka. However,wilting of the leaves is a major problem raised in the export of these foliagespecies. In order to full fill the demand in world market, it is essential toovercome such problems.

In this study, seven experiments were conducted at Green Farms (Pvt) Ltd.Marawila, to maintain the vase life of Codiaeum varigatum cv. 'Batik','Pictum', and 'gold star' cut decorative shoots and to retain their exportquality characters. Sugar (0, 1, 2, 4 & 5%), NiCh (250, 500, 750 &1000ppm), combination of sugar (2%) + KMn04 2ppm and glycerol (1, 5 and10%) were tested as treatments (vase solutions) in separate experiments.Treatments were arranged in complete randomized design with 3 replicateseach. Data were analyzed using SAS statistical method with analysis ofvariances. Mean separation was done using LSD on parametric procedures.

Croton had ability to maintain vase life up to 3 weeks in preliminary studies.To comparison of different packing methods for vase life of croton, wetpaper packing showed higher vase life and higher leaf freshness for croton.Sugar treatments applied to "Pictum" and "Gold star" were maintained 21days of vase life. "Batik" showed only 17 days vase life (C.V. =7.750323).NiCh gave 18 days of vase life for "Batik" (CV = 11.04419) however it isharmful to human. According to the re-cutting & water changes, 4 dayscutting interval and 2 days water change was the best. Combination ofsucrose & KMn04 was maintained vase life vase life up to 14 days.Combination of Sucrose 2% + KMn04 2 ppm & Cotton plug was bestamong all sugar concentrations (C.V. = 10.90617). For this could maintainexport quality up to 19 days. "Pictum" & "Gold Star" were tolerant cultivars.Pure glycerol gave negative effects. All dilute glycerol concentrations (1, 5and 10%) were good post harvest treatments. Among those, 5% couldmaintain export quality of "Batik" cuttings up to 20 days. Combination ofwax + KMn04 + sucrose treatment gave negative effect. Pure wax withcommercial preservatives did not enhance the quality.