BIBLIOGRAPHY DEL-ISEN, SONIA O. April...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
DEL-ISEN, SONIA O. April 2010. Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties
of Gerbera as Affected by Different Holding Solutions. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad Benguet.
Adviser: Dr. Araceli G. Ladilad, PhD
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the effect of the different holding
solutions on the vaselife and other postharvest characteristics of four varieties of
gerbera and to determine the best holding solution that will prolong the vaselife of the
four varieties of gerbera.
Gerbera cutflowers at 25 % anthesis of flower maturity were held in distilled
water, 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox per liter water, 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox per liter
water, 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox per liter water and 20 g sucrose +
250 ppm 7- up + 5 ml chlorox per liter of water.
Results showed that distilled water can be used to prolong the vaselife of
gerberas harvested at 25% anthesis. Distilled water also promoted better quality of
flower and cutflower and it also lessened the percentage of neck bending and stem
browning.
Among the four gerbera varieties, cv. cosmo or a yellow colored gerbera was the
best among the different vaieties. This variety had the longest vaselife of 21 days and
maintained the best quality in terms of flowers and stems.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Crop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Floral Preservatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Holding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 6
Water pH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Longevity and Vaselife of Cutflowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Senescence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
ii
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Vaselife of cutflowers as affected
by different holding solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Initial and Final pH of the Holding
solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
Volume of Solution Taken - up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
Number of Days to 100% Anthesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Maximum Flower Diameter Attained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Percentage Neck Bending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Percentage Stem browning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Flower Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
Stem Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
iii
1
INTRODUCTION
Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) popularly known as Transvaal daisy, is one of
the ten most popular commercial cut flowers in the world and according to the global
trends in floriculture, it occupies the fourth place among cutflowers (Choudhary and
Prasad, 2000). It is in considerable demand in both domestic and export markets.
The blooms are attractive, suitable for any type of floral arrangements and are
available in different shades and hues. Besides floral arrangements, gerbera is widely
used in bouquets and in dry flower crafts. The cutflowers have a long vaselife, which
fetches premium market prices. The flowers are hardy and stand the rigors of
transportation admirably. Gerbera comes up well under a wide range of climatic
conditions and topographies. Due to changes in social and cultural life style of people, cut
flowers have found an important place in various social functions and daily activities.
This flower is associated with star sign Leo (Larson, 1980). The meanings of
gerbera flowers stem from those attributed to the general daisy family. These meanings
include innocence and purity, and daisies are also a classic symbol of beauty. However,
the gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the
assortment of colors available.
Unlike other cutflower such as anthurium whose flowers are readily available in
the market every time it is needed, gerbera is rarely seen in flower shops and if available
the quantity is limited even though it is an herbaceous perennial. This is attributed to the
few numbers of growers who ventured into the production of this potential cutflower.
Related to this, observation show that the vaselife of gerbera is
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
2
shorter with 7 to 10 days using tap water only compared to anthurium and
chrysanthemum with longer vaselife.
Postharvest techniques to prolong vaselife are important in cutflower production
and marketing in advanced countries. Cutflower are stored using either controlled
atmosphere and refrigerated storage trucks and van along with preservatives for opening
and lengthening the vaselife of cutflowers.
There is lack of information in the postharvest life of these less popular
cutflowers in the local market but are being grown and used commercially in the national
and international markets. Some growers and florists know some of the postharvest
techniques to lengthen the Vaselife of cutflowers but there is lack of facilities and
chemicals to use. Lengthening the life of cutflowers is a problem to growers especially
when the prise is high and when there is empending bad weather. Consumers and florist
also want to prolong the Vaselife of cutflowers by maintaining their aesthetic value for
longer periods prior to marketing to wait for higher price.
Keeping quality is an important parameter for evaluation of cut flower quality, for
both domestic and export markets. Addition of chemical preservatives to the holding
solution is recommended to prolong the vase-life of cut flowers. All holding solutions
must essentially contain two components viz., sugar and germicides. The sugars provide
a respiratory substrate, while the germicides control harmful bacteria and prevent
plugging of the conducting tissues. Therefore, the techniques of prolonging the vase-life
of flowers will be a great asset to the growers and users.
Growing gerbera can be developed as a profitable business in Baguio and
Benguet. Production of gerbera cutflowers could also provide a good source of income.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
3
Growers of cutflowers are not yet knowledgeable on the issues concerning the
postharvest losses and as a result, the country’s cutflower industry declines. The
cutflower industry must then be quick to adapt to the continually changing market
demand if it is to remain viable. This includes the need to respond to the increasing
sophisticated cutflowers in terms of quality and volume.
And finally, it is hoped that this study will help gerbera growers in prolonging the
postharvest life of their cutflower and make these flowers available in the market
throughout the year.
The study was conducted to determine the postharvest characteristics of the four
varieties of gerbera held at the different holding solutions and to determine the best
holding solutions that will prolong postharvest life of the three varieties of gerbera.
The study was conducted at the Horticulture Service Laboratory of the
Department of Horticulture, Benguet State University, La Trinidad Benguet from
February to March 2010.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Crop
The Gerbera Daisy or Gerbera is also known as the Transvaal Daisy, African
Daisy, Barberton Daisy. Gerbera daisies are colourful plants that belong to the Asteraceae
family. It is native to South Africa (the Transvaal and Cape Province) and was named
after German naturalist Traugott Gerber in 1743. Gerbera Daisies are now grown
commercially in large quantities in California, Florida and also in the Netherlands,
Columbia and surrounding countries in South America, and Israel.
The flat-faced, symmetrical, daisy-like flowers, 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) across,
possess a beautiful satin sheen. They have a yellow or dark center. The thin, leafless
flower stalk varies between 10-24 inches (25-60 cm) in length. Gerbera species bear a
large capitulum with striking, two-lipped ray florets in yellow, orange, white, pink or red
colors. The capitulum, which has the appearance of a single flower, is actually composed
of hundreds of individual flowers. The morphology of the flowers varies depending on
their position in the capitulum. The flower heads can be as small as 7 cm (Gerbera mini
Harley) in diameter or up to 12 cm (Gerbera Golden Serena).
Gerbera is very popular and widely used as a decorative garden plant or as cut
flowers. The domesticated cultivars are mostly a result of a cross between Gerbera
jamesonii and another South African species Gerbera viridifolia. The cross is known as
Gerbera hybrida. Thousands of cultivars exist. They vary greatly in shape and size.
Colors include white, yellow, orange, red, and pink. The center of the flower is
sometimes black. Often the same flower can have petals of several different colors
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
5
Floral Preservatives
Using a preservative definitely increases the longevity of cut flowers. To survive,
flowers need three ingredients: biocides, sugar and acidifiers (Kilkelly, 2009).
A biocide is simply an ingredient that kills bacteria that live in the vase water.
The sugars that are in the stem sap and plant food are released into the water when the
flowers are added to the vase. Bacteria thrive on these sugars and the bacteria populations
increase immediately. When the flowers begin to pull water up the stem during the
normal transpiration process, the bacteria clogs the stem and the vase life of the flowers is
shortened. A biocide keeps the population of the bacteria under control or very low so the
flowers can pull water up the stem without blockage.
Sugar or a sugar-type substance is what is considered the plant "food." This is
what the flower uses for energy to stay alive. When a flower is closed or in the bud stage,
it needs the energy created by the sugar to open and stay fresh. Sugar also increases
bacteria populations so a biocide must be added to the floral preservative to counteract
the explosion in bacteria that occurs when sugar is added to the water.
An acidifier is added to the water to lower the pH of the water to as low as 3.0.
The reason that flowers last longer in a low pH water environment is that acidic water
has an astringent effect that forces the flowers to take up water. Also, acidic water has a
sterilizing and disinfecting effect on the vase water. For an acidifier, citric acid is
readily available and cheap. It’s present in citrus fruits (like lemons, limes and oranges),
but these juices color the vase water. Lemon-lime beverages such as Sprite® and 7-
Up® are colorless and contain not only citric acid, but sugar. These beverages can be
used since carbonation is not important in maintaining flowers.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
6
Holding Solution
Sucrose as a holding solution is beneficial because it is the source of energy due
to the closure of stomata and reduction of water loss (Wheally, 1992). Marousky,
(1969) found that sucrose solution weight and longevity of cutflower.
According to Rimando (1982), the optimum levels of sucrose must be provided
to successfully open cutflowers to quality blooms. Furthermore, the preservatives in
addition to extending the vaselife of cutflowers had been used as opening solutions for
cutflower harvested at immature stage of flower development.
Organic acids are used to lower the pH of the solution. A low pH was shown
favor the activity of the enzyme since acidification of the water tends to minimize
physiological stem blockage. A pH of 3.5 to 4.0 extends vaselife because it inhibits
indigenous enzymes essential for stem plugging. Citric acid also improves water
balance and reduces stem plugging.
Water pH
Acidity alteration is the most important of the three considerations of components
of floral preservatives since alkaline or high pH water/solution is damaging to
cutflowers. Reduced water potential of the holding solution usually influences and
decrease pH of water and sugar uptake. A low pH inhibits indigenous enzymes essential
for stem plugging (Reid, 2000) and tends to minimize physiological stem blockage.
Various chemicals are used to increase the acidity of a solution. The most available
chemical is the vinegar. However, vinegar whitens the stem when included in the holding
solution (Alacyang, 1998). Citric acid can replace vinegar to increase acidity of the
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
7
solution (Anonymous, 2009). Aside from citric acid, ascorbic acid also is used. Ascorbic
acid also lowers the pH of the solution and thus it is also used in prolonging the vaselife
of cutflowers.
For an acidifier, citric acid is readily available and cheap. It’s present in citrus
fruits (like lemons, limes and oranges), but these juices color the vase water. Lemon-lime
beverages such as Sprite and 7-Up are colorless and contain not only citric acid, but
sugar, too. What’s more, you can even use these beverages after they’ve gone flat, since
carbonation is not important in maintaining flowers (Greer, 2009).
Vaselife and Longevity of Cutflowers
Temperature is the major factor affecting the storage and vaselife of cutflowers.
This is through its influence on the respiration rate of the flowers and their response to
ethylene, moisture loss, and physical damage. Cooling is also necessary to reduce other
metabolic activities and to slow the rate of opening of flowers. The temperature of
flowers and foliage at harvest is normally close to that of the ambient air. At this
temperature, respiration activity is very high and storage/ vaselife will be short. Flowers
including gerbera are highly perishable and deteriorate quickly when exposed to
unfavourable environmental conditions such as adverse temperature. Any technology
which ensures cutflowers reach the required low temperature as soon as possible and also
maintains this optimal temperature is of considerable benefit to people involved in their
production and sale. Rapid cooling is therefore the vital first step in the cool chain of
cutflowers (Anonymous, 2009).
Ethylene reduces the longevity of some flowers and foliage by causing rapid
wilting of petals, shedding or shattering of petals or other changes to petal tissues such as
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
8
loss of change of color. Therefore, flowers which are sensitive to ethylene should not be
held in the same cool store as ethylene-producing fruit, vegetable of foliage or be
exposed to exhaust fumes.
As cited by Mastalerz (1956), that turgidity of plants and flowers are dependent
upon a balance between rate of water supply and plant intake. Turgidity is for the
continuance of normal metabolic activity in cutflowers s it is needed for the development
of the flower buds to full bloom maturity at high level.
Leopold (1975) also reported that, as distinguished from aging which involves
gradual changes in time , same changes may deteriorate but not lethal in themselves. A
fresh flower is still a living and actively metabolising entity, whose lifespan is
subsequently terminated by senescence that in turn is especially involved in the
deteriorating changes that leads to death.
Wheally (1992) stated that free movement of air avoids ethylene build up which
greatly affect longevity of flowers.
Rimando (1982) said that for every 10oc rise in temperature, the rate of metabolic
processes including the rate of stored food used in respiration is doubled. High
temperature favors the opening of flowers and reduces carbohydrate levels which
adversely affect flower longevity.
Senescence
A fresh cutflower is still living and actively metabolizing entity whose lifespan is
subsequently terminated by senescence as distinguished from aging which involves
gradual changes that are deteriorative but not lethal in them (Leopold, 1975). Flower
remaining o slower pace plant are also senescing g but at much slower pace. The onset of
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
9
senescence maybe related to some antecedents changes that occur before harvest
(Mastalerz, 1956).
Senescence is a concept of physiological and biochemical process. The initial
event if senescence remains obscure during the development of some cutflower like
carnation and rose, a climacteric rise in ethylene production signifies the promotion of
senescence. Thereafter, a change in permeability of tissues can be detected (Mayak,
1987).
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
10
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The materials used in the study were 4 varieties of gerbera cutflowers harvested at
25% anthesis, catsup bottles, labelling materials, cutter, stirring rod, beaker, weighing
balance, aluminum foil and portable pH meter.
Newly harvested gerbera were obtained at 25% anthesis. Before the treatment, the
stem ends were cut at the basal ends in a slanting manner before placing them in the
different holding solutions. All gerbera cutflowers had a uniform length of 45 cm. All
bottles were then covered with aluminum foil.
The study was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in factorial
arrangement with varieties as factor A and the different holding solutions as factor B as
shown in Figure 1. There were three replications per treatment and one sample cutflower
per replication. The volume of the holding solutions was 200 ml per bottle. The
cutflowers were held in an ambient room condition for observation.
The different treatments were as follows:
Factor A (Variety)
V1 - cosmo (yellow)
V2 – buenavista (orange)
V3 – figo (figo)
V4 – carat (yellow-red)
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
11
Figure 1. An overview of the experiment 10 days from after setting –up
Factor B (Holding Solutions)
T1- control (distilled water)
T2 -20 grams sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water
T3-20 grams sucrose + 10 ml chlorox/li water
T4-20 grams sucrose + 1 gram ascorbic acid + 5ml chlorox / li water
T5-20 grams sucrose + 250 ppm uncola pop drink (7-up) +5 ml
chlorox/ li water
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
12
Data Gathered
1. Vaselife. This was be taken by counting the number of days from holding of the
cutflower in the solution up to the onset of senescence.
2. Volume of solution taken up. This was obtained by measuring the final volume
of the solution per treatment at the end of the postharvest life of the cut flower and was
deducted from the initial volume of 200 ml.
3. Initial and final pH of the holding solution. This measured at holding and
termination of the postharvest life of the cutflower using a pH meter.
4. Daily temperature of the room (oC). This was recorded daily.
5. Number of days from holding to 100% anthesis. This was taken by counting the
number of days from immersion of the stem ends to full opening of the flower.
6. Maximum flower diameter attained (cm). The maximum diameter of the flower
will be measured at full bloom stage.
7. Percentage of neck bending. Percentage of neck bending was taken after the stem
ends were soaked in the different holding solutions.
8. Percentage of stem browning. This was taken at the termination of the study
using the following index.
Index Description
10 - 20% stem browning less than 2.54 cm
21 – 40 % stem browning at least 2.54 cm
41 – 60 % stem browning at least 3.81 cm
61 – 80 % stem browning at least 5.08 cm
81 – 100 % stem browning at least 6.35 cm
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
13
9. Flower quality. This was observed daily for the purpose of evaluation. This was
rated using the following rating index.
Index Description
1 no damage
2 10-20% petals with damage
3 30-40% petals with damage
4 50-70% petals with damage
5 70-100% petals with damage
10. Stem quality. The stem quality of each sample was obtained daily using the
following rating index.
Index Description
1 dark green, no injury
2 green and rotting at the base (<2.54cm)
3 green and rotting at the base (>2.54cm)
4 yellow green and rotting at the base (<2.54)
5 yellow green and rotting at the base (>2.54)
11. Documentation of the study. This was taken through pictures.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
14
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Vaselife of cutflowers as affected
by different holding solutions
Vaselife of cutflowers as affected by holding solution is summarized in Table 1.
Effect of variety. Significantly, Cosmo variety exhibited longest vaselife with a
mean of 19.600 days followed by the carat, and then the figo while buenavista variety
had the shortest vaselife of 14.93 days. This could be attributed to the varietal differences
and characteristics affecting the vaselife of cutflowers.
Effect of holding solution. Statistical analysis did not show any significant
differences among the different holding solution as far as vaselife is concerned.
Numerically however, findings show that gerbera cutflowers held in 20 g sucrose + 5 ml
chlorox had the longest vaselife of 16.667 days while those cutflowers soaked in 20 g
sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water attained the shortest vaselife within
15.50 days.
Rimando (1980) stated that the loss of turgidity, exposure to ethylene, and
shortage of respirable substances are most decisive factor, which may trigger the onset of
senescence of cutflower at any stage of their development whether they are still attached
or already detached from the plant. Waters (1966) concluded that proper storage, methods
and postharvest procedures can extend vaselife, but if not correctly used they may do
otherwise.
Interaction Effect. No significant differences were observed on the interaction
effect among the different varieties and the different holding solution affecting the
vaselife of gerbera cutflowers.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
15
Table 1. Vaselife of cutflowers as affected by different holding solutions
TREATMENTS VASELIFE ( days)
Variety
Cosmo 19.60a
Buenavista 12.27d
Figo 14.93c
Carat 17.80b
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 16.58a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 16.67a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 15.75a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 15.50a
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 16.25a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Initial and Final pH of the Holding Solution
Table 2 shows that initial pH of distilled water is more alkaline compared to the
initial pH of the different holding solution which ranges from 6.6 to 6.8.
In the final pH, there was a gradual decrease in the pH of holding solutions
containing 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox and 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7
– up and including the control or distilled water only while an increase in pH was evident
in holding solutions containing 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox and 20g sucrose + 10 ml
chlorox.
When the pH of a solution is more acidic, the molecules are more hydrophilic or
they tend to stick together more. So, a good preservative includes an agent to lower the
pH of the solution, which encourages hydration. This is normally a mild acid such as
citric acid or ascorbic acid. Citric acid is readily available and cheap. It’s present in citrus
fruits (like lemons, limes and oranges), but these juices color the vase water. Lemon-lime
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
16
Table 2. Initial and final pH of the holding solution
TREATMENTS pHU_
INITIAL FINAL
Variety
Cosmo 6.66
Buenavista 6.73
Figo 7.03
Carat 6.75
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 7.0 6.88
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 6.7 6.99
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 6.6 6.89
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 6.8 6.62
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 6.7 6.57
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5 % level by DMRT
beverages such as Sprite and 7-Up are colorless and contain not only citric acid, but sugar
too (Greer, 2009).
Volume of Solution Taken – up.
Effect of variety. Statistical analysis show significant differences on the effect of
variety to the volume of solution taken –up. Figo gerbera had the highest volume of
solution absorbed with a mean of 19.20 ml compared to Cosmo gerbera having the least
volume of solution taken –up.
Effect of holding solution. Table 3 shows that gerbera cutflowers held in 20 g
sucrose + 5 ml chlorox had significantly faster rate of solution uptake with a mean of
20.42 ml of solution absorbed upon the termination of the study as compared to the
flowers held in other solution. On the other hand, cutflowers held in a solution containing
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox had the lowest volume of solution
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
17
Table 3. Volume of solution taken-up
TREATMENTS VOLUME ( ml)
Variety
Cosmo 11.73b
Buenavista 17.67a
Figo 19.20a
Carat 15.73ab
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 16.08ab
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 20.42a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 13.67b
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 14.17b
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 16.08ab
Means with the same letter are not significantly different with 5% level by DMRT
absorbed with a very slow rate of absorption. Mean was 13.67, which is comparable with
those other solution
Interaction effect. Statistical analysis showed no significant interaction on the
volume of solution taken – up as affected by the different variety held at the different
holding solution. However, yellow gerbera held at 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox absorbed
the lowest volume compared to pink gerbera held at 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox
absorbing the highest volume of 20.417 ml.
Number of Days to 100% Anthesis
Effect of variety. No significant differences as to the number of days to 100%
anthesis prevailed among the varieties tested (Table 4). Buenavista gerbera attained 100%
anthesis the earliest in 10.333 days, followed by the carat gerbera with a mean of 10.73
days, the pink with 11.07 days and lastly yellow gerbera attained 100% flower opening in
longest day of 11.80.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
18
Table 4. Number of days to 100% anthesis
TREATMENTS NUMBER OF DAYS
Variety
Cosmo 11.80a
Buenavista 10.33a
Figo 11.07a
Carat 10.73a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 10.83a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 10.75a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 10.83a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 10.58a
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 11.92a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Effect of holding solution. As shown in Table 4, there are no significant
differences observed on the effect of different holding solutions for the gerbera
cutflowers to attain 100% flower opening. However, faster opening was attained by
cutflowers held in solution containing 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox
with a mean of 10.58. Cutflowers held at 20 g sucrose + 250 7-up opened fully the
longest after 11.92 days as shown in Figures 2 to 5.
Interaction effect. No significant differences on the interaction effect of the
different varieties of gerbera and the different holding solution. However, cosmo variety
when soaked in 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm citric acid + 5 ml chlorox per liter of water will
attain the longest days to 100% full flower opening having a mean of 11.92 dayswhile
buenavista variety soaked in 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox per liter of water had the
shortest days to attain 100% full flower opening with a mean of 10.75days.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
19
Figure 2. Cv. Cosmo (yellow)
Figure 3. Cv. Buenavista (orange)
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
20
Figure 4. Cv. Figo (pink)
Figure 5. Cv. Carat (yellow-red)
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
21
Maximum Flower Diameter Attained
Effect of variety. Significantly bigger blooms were measured on the buenavista
variety with a mean of 9.30 cm. This was followed by the carat with a mean of 8.53 cm
which is comparable to the figo having a mean of 8.19cm. Figo gerbera is comparable to
the cosmo variety having the smallest bloom of 7.93 cm. Varietal differences and
characteristics explain such result.
Effect of holding solution. No significant difference was noted on the effect of
holding solution on the maximum diameter of the gerbera cutflower. But, cutflowers held
in solutions containing 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7-up + 5 ml chlorox had the biggest
flower bloom of 8.63 while the smallest flower bloom was noted on the cutflowers held
at 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox with a mean of 8.38 cm.
According to Rimando (1982), there are no preservatives, which are equally
effective for all types of flowers. The optimum concentrations of different components of
preservatives would vary from one flower to another.
Table 5. Maximum flower diameter attained
TREATMENTS DIAMETER ( cm )
Variety
Yellow 7.93c
Orange 9.30a
Pink 8.19bc
Yellow-red 8.53b
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 8.51a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 8.53a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 8.40a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 8.38a
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 8.63a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
22
The optimum levels of sucrose must be provided to successfully open cutflowers
into a quality blooms. Furthermore, the preservatives in addition to extending vaselife
had been used as opening solution for cutflowers harvested at immature stage of flower
development.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect was observed on the maximum
flower diameter as affected by the different variety and holding solutions.
Percentage Neck Bending
Effect of variety. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant
differences observed. Carat variety showed the highest percentage of neck bending with a
mean of 93.33. This is comparable to the cosmo and buenavista. While figo had the
lowest percentage of neck bending with a mean of 60.00 percent.
Effect holding solution. Significant differences were observed on the different
holding solutions affecting the percentage of stem browning. Cutflowers held in 20 g
sucrose + 5 ml chlorox attained 100 percent neck bending compared to cutflowers held in
Table 6. Percentage neck bending
TREATMENTS PERCENTAGE
Variety
Yellow 86.67a
Orange 86.67a
Pink 60.00b
Yellow-red 93.33a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 58.33b
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 100.00a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 75.00ab
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 83.33ab
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 91.67a
Means with the same letter is not significantly different with 5% level by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
23
solution containing distilled water only having the lowest percentage of neck bending
with a mean of 58.33.
Interaction effect. Significant interaction effect was observed on different
varieties of gerbera held at the different holding solutions as shown in Figure 6. Figo
variety held at 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox per liter of water had the lowest of zero
percentage on neck bending while all the other varieties had all attained 100 percent neck
bending when soaked on the different holding solutions except distilled water.
100
cosmo
buenavista
figo
carat
90
80
70
ng
ndi 60
be
ck 50
e ne
ag 40
r
cent
pe 30
20
10
0
distilled water
T2
T3
T4
5
holding solutions
Figure 6. Percentage of neck bending of four varieties of gerbera as affected by different
holding solutions
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
24
Percentage Stem Browning
Effect of variety. Table 7 shows the effect of variety on the percentage of stem
browning. Carat variety attained the highest percentage of stem browning with a mean of
90.33.while cosmo variety maintained the lowest percentage of stem browning.
Effect of holding solution. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences
that were observed on the effect of holding solution. However, results showed that the
cutflowers that were held in 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox had the lowest
percentage of stem browning and cutflowers soaked in a solution containing 20 g sucrose
+ 10 ml chlorox had the greatest percentage of 77.92 in terms of stem browning.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect was noted on the different
variety and the different holding solution. However, cosmo soaked in 20 g sucrose + 250
carat soaked in 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox having the greatest percentage of stem
browning.
Table 7. Percentage of stem browning
TREATMENTS PERCENTAGE
Variety
Yellow 50.00a
Orange 78.00ab
Pink 68.67b
Yellow-red 90.33a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 71.67a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 72.08a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 77.92a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 74.58a
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 62.50a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5 % by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
25
Flower Quality
Effect of variety. As shown in Table 8, significant differences were observed on
the different varieties in terms of flower quality 10, 15 and 20 days. While there was no
different on the 5th day of observation on flower quality. Results reveal that, buenavista
gerbera had observed to attain the highest flower quality within the duration of 10 to 20
days. In contrast, cosmo had maintained to have the lesser damage on the flowers within
this duration of observation.
Effect of holding solution. Statistical analysis showed that there were no
significant differences among the different holding solution on the flower quality of
gerbera in the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th day of observation.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect was obtained between the
different varieties and the different holding solutions on the flower quality rating 5, 10 15
and 20 days from holding.
Table 8. Flower quality
MEAN
TREATMENTS 5TH 10TH 15TH 20TH
day day day day
Variety
Yellow 1.00 2.33b 3.07b 4.40b
Orange 1.00 3.00a 4.27a 5.00a
Pink 1.00 2.40b 4.00a 5.00a
Yellow-red 1.00 2.27b 3.33b 5.00a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 1.00 2.25a 3.58a 4.75a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 1.00 2.33a 3.50a 4.75a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 1.00 2.75a 3.75a 5.00a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml 1.00 2.67a 3.83a 4.92a
chlorox /li water
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml 1.00 2.50a 3.67a 4.83a
chlorox / li water
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5 % by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
26
Stem Quality
Effect of variety. No significant differences were observed on the flower quality
after 5 days of holding wherein the different gerbera varieties had all the same stem
quality rating of 1. On the other hand, significant differences were noted on the stem
quality of the different gerbera on the 10th, 15th, and 20th days of observation.
Effect of holding solution. Statistical analysis reveals that there were not
significant differences observed on the stem quality of gerbera after 5 and 10 days from
holding. Day 5 had a stem quality rating of 1.00 while in day 10 stem quality rating
ranges from 2.00 to 2.50. However, significant differences were noted on the stem quality
of gerbera after 15 and 20 days wherein cutflowers soaked in distilled water only showed
the lowest stem damage within this period compared to cutflowers held in 20 g sucrose +
10 ml chlorox having the highest stem quality rating.
Table 9. Stem quality
MEAN
TREATMENTS 5TH 10TH 15TH 20TH
day day day day
Variety
Yellow 1.00 2.13b 3.00b 3.93b
Orange 1.00 2.53a 3.00b 3.67b
Pink 1.00 2.13b 2.93b 3.80b
Yellow-red 1.00 2.47ab 3.60a 4.60a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 1.00 2.00a 2.50c 3.08b
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 1.00 2.50a 3.33ab 4.17a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 1.00 2.50a 3.58a 4.50a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml 1.00 2.33a 3.17ab 4.17a
chlorox /li water
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml 1.00 2.25a 3.08b 4.08a
chlorox / li water
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
27
Interaction effect. Results show that there were no significant differences that
were observed between the different varieties and the effect of holding solutions.
Daily Temperature of the Holding Room
Cutflowers of different varieties of gerbera were held for 21 days in the Tissue
Culture Laboratory Room in floriculture for observations. The room temperature was
gathered daily from holding to the termination of the study. Within the duration of the
experiment, the temperature of the holding room ranges from 22- 26 oC as shown in
Table 10.
Table 1.Daily temperature of the holding room
TEMPERATURE( OC)
TIME/ DATE 10:00 am 2:00pm
February 24 22
22
February 25 23
23
February 26 22
23
February 27 23
24
February 28 24
23
March 1
24
25
March 2
24
24
March 3
24
24
March 4
25
25
March 5
24
25
March 6
25
25
March 7
26
26
March 8
22
23
March 9
22
24
March 10
25
25
March 11
22
23
March 12
22
23
March 13
22
23
March 14
26
26
March 15
26
26
March 16
25
25
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
28
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Different varieties of gerbera cutflowers harvested at 25% anthesis were held in
different holding solutions including distilled water, 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox per liter
water, 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox per liter water, 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5
ml chlorox per liter water and 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7- up + 5 ml chlorox per liter of
water.
Results showed that distilled water alone can be used to prolong the vaselife of
gerbera cutflowers. But the cosmo variety had attained the longest vaselife of 19.600
days. The volume of solution taken –up was higher in figo gerbera cutflowers held at 20
g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox.
No significant differences are observed on the number of days to attain 100 %
flower opening. Nevertheless, orange or the buenavista to be held in the different holding
solution will result to a wider flower diameter as compared to the other varieties.
In the percentage of neck bending, pink gerbera held in distilled water alone has
the lowest percentage of neck bending as compared to orange gerbera held in 20 g
sucrose + 5 ml chlorox for having the highest percentage of 100. On the other hand, 20 g
sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up lessened the percentage of stem browning on the yellow variety
while 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox increased the percentage of stem browning in carat
gerbera.
As for the flower quality and stem quality, it was obviously noted that yellow or
cosmo had the best quality and distilled water only will promote the best quality on
cutflowers.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
29
Conclusions
Based on the results, distilled water alone can be used to prolong the vaselife of
gerberas harvested at 25% anthesis. Distilled water also promoted better quality of flower
and stem on the cutflowers. It also lessened the percentage of neck bending and stems
browning.
In the different varieties, cosmo variety or the yellow colored gerbera was the best
among the different varieties. This cosmo variety had attained the longest vaselife and
maintained the best quality in terms of flower and stem.
Recommendations
Based on the findings, in order to attain longer vaselife, using of holding
solutions is not recommended because distilled water alone will prolong the vaselife of
cutflowers and for a better flower and stem quality than those cutflowers held in other
floral preservatives.
Cosmo variety is also recommended due to its longer vaselife and better quality in
terms of flower and stem after 21 days of holding.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
30
LITERATURE CITED
ALACYANG, J. 1998. Influence of holding Solution on the Postharvest of Carnation cvs.
Desio and Orange Isaac. BS Thesis. BSU, La Trinidad Benguet. pp. 1- 15
ANONYMOUS. 2009. http://www. aginfone. com/agricarta/content/kdried flower/
postharvest.html.
CHOUDHARY, M. L. and PRASAD, K. V. 2000. Protected cultivation of ornamental
crops. An insight. Indian Hort. 45(1): 49-53
GREER, L. 2009. Making home made preservatives. December 26, 2009.
http://www.learn2grow.com
KILKELLY, J. 2009. http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/factsheet specific crops/
presvcut. html. Retrieved on December 16, 2009.
LARSON, R. A. 1980. Introduction to Floriculture. Academic Press, Inc. NewYork,USA.
Pp. 73-78
LEOPOLD, A. C. 1975. Aging Senescence and turning over in Plants.Bio.Sci.25:659-
662
MAROUSKY, F. J. 1969. Vascular blockage, water absorption, stomatal opening and
Respiration of cut “better times” rose treated with 8-hydroxyquinoline citrat and
sucrose. Proc. Am.Soc.Horti. Sci. 94: 223-226
MASTALERZ, J.W. 1956.The Greenhouse Environment. New York. John Wiley and
Sons. P.62
MAYAK, S. 1987. Science of Cutflowers. Proc. Am. Soc. Hort. 22: 863-868
REID, M. S. 2000. Postharvest Technology, Research and Information Center. Retrieved
on March 17, 2010. http:// postharvest. Ucdavis.edu./ index.html.
RIMANDO, T. J. 1982. Postharvest Physiology and Handling of Cutflowers. A paper
presented during the 2nd professional chair lecture in commercial Horticulture.
March 21 at UPCA, UPLB, Laguna. P. 35.
WHEALLY, A. C. 1992. Carnation: An Introduction to Floriculture. Ray Larson 2nd
Ed.New York. Academic Press. Pp. 43-46.
WATERS, W. E. 1966. The Influence of Postharvest Handling Technique on the Vaselife
of Gladiolus flower. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Sci. 79: 452- 456.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
31
APPENDICES
APPENDIX TABLE 1. Vaselife of cutflowers as affected by holding solutions (days)
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T1 21 21 21 63 21.00
T2 21 19 19 59 19.67
T3 20 18 19 56 18.67
T4 21 18 18 57 19.00
T5 18 20 21 59 19.67
V2 T1 12 14 16 42 14.00
T2 12 14 14 40 13.33
T3 11 11 11 33 11.00
T4 15 10 11 36 12.00
T5 11 10 12 33 11.00
V3 T1 11 13 14 38 12.67
T2 15 16 16 47 15.67
T3 14 16 17 47 15.67
T4 14 15 16 45 15.00
T5 19 14 14 47 15.67
V4T1 20 18 18 56 18.67
T2 18 18 18 54 18.00
T3 17 18 17 53 17.67
T4 19 16 17 52 17.33
T5 18 20 18 56 18.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
467.783
155.928
60.3591** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
12.567
3.142
3.142*
2.61 3.83
AB
12
53.967
4.497
4.497**
2.00 2.66
Error
40
103.333
2.583
2.583
Total
59
637.650
*= significant Coefficient of variation : 9.95%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
32
APPENDIX TABLE 2. Final pH of the solution
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 6.9 6.8 6.9 20.6 6.68
T2 9.9 6.9 6.7 20.5 6.83
T3 6.7 6.7 6.7 20.1 6.70
T 6.5 6.5 6.7 19.7 6.67
T5 6.5 6.6
6.5 19.6 6.53
V2 T1 6.9 6.9 6.8 20.6 6.87
T2 6.7
6.9 6.7 20.3 6.77
T3 6.5 6.9 6.9 20.3 6.77
T4 6.6 6.9 6.6 20.1 6.70
T5 6.6 6.8 6.8 20.2 6.73
V3 T1 6.9 6.9 6.9
20.7
6.90
T2 6.8 6.8 6.7
20.3 6.77
T3 6.7
6.6 6.7 20.0 6.67
T4 6.5 6.4 6.6 19.5 6.50
T5 6.6 6.4
6.5
19.5 6.50
V4 T1 6.9 6.9
6.9 20.7 6.90
T2 6.7 6.9 6.8 20.4 6.80
T3 6.7 6.9 6.9 20.5 6.83
T4 6.6 6.7 6.8 20.1 6.70
T5 6.7 6.7 6.7
20.1 6.70
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
1.186
0.394
1.38ns
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
1.676
0.419
1.47ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
3.063
0.255
0.89ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
11.413
0.285
Total
59
17.334
ns= not significant Coefficient of Variation: 7.87%
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
33
APPENDIX TABLE 3. Volume of solution taken-up
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 16 12 12
40
13.00
T2
14
10
12 36
12.00
T3 8
9 8 25
8.00
T4
20
6 10 36 12.00
T5 16 12 11 39 13.00
V2 T1
20
18 20
58
19.33
T2
22 45 13
80
26.67
T3
10 13
9 32 10.67
T4
13 18
14 45 15.00
T5
14
14
16
44 14.67
V3 T1
10 14
20 44
14.67
T2
22
28
28 78
26.00
T3
19
25
14 58
19.33
T4
18
14
16 48
16.00
T5
25 21
14 60
20.00
V4 T1
16
19 16 51
17.00
T2
14 18 19 51
17.00
T3
11 19 13
43 14.33
T4
17
10 14 41
13.67
T5
10
12
28
50
16.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
468.983
156.328
5.1879** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
339.500
84.875
2.8166*
2.61 3.83
AxB
12
346.767
28.897
0.96ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
1205.333
30.133
Total
59
637.650
*= significant Coefficient of variation: 34.13%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
34
APPENDIX TABLE 4. Number of days to 100 % anthesis
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
10 14 10 34
11.33
T2
10 14 12 36 12.00
T3
11 13
11 35
11.67
T4
14 10
9 33 11.00
T5
12 11 16 39
11.00
V2 T1
9
10
10
29
9.67
T2
7
15
13 35 11.67
T3
11
11
12 33
11.00
T5
8
11 10 29
9.67
V3 T1
11
11 12 34
11.33
T2
9 10 11
30 10.00
T3 10
9 14 33 11.00
T4
7
10 11 28 9.33
T5
13
15 13 41 13.67
V4 T1
11
13 9 33
11.00
T2 8
10
10 28
9.33
T3
10
12
11
33 11.00
T4 10 10
13 33
11.00
T5 12
12
10
34
11.33
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF MEAN OF
FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
17.383
5.794
1.42ns
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
13.567
3.392
0.83ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
44.700
3.725
0.91ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
163.333
4.083
Total
59
238.983
ns= not significant Coefficient of Variation: 18.40%
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
35
APPENDIX TABLE 5. Maximum flower diameter attained
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
8.1 8.1 8.1 24.3
8.10
T2 7.8
8.2 7.7 23.7 7.90
T3
8.4
8.2 7.2 23.8 7.93
T4
7.7 7.5 7.4 22.6
7.53
T5
7.9 8.1 8.5
24.5
8.17
V2 T1
9.7 9.2 9.2 27.9
9.30
T2
9.9
8.8 8.8 28.1
9.37
T3
9.3 9.0 9.1 27.4
9.13
T4 10.3 9.1
9.0
28.3
9.43
T5
9.6 8.5
9.7
27.8
9.27
V3 T1
7.5
8.1 8.0
24.6
8.20
T2
8.8 7.9 8.8
25.5
8.50
T3
7.7
8.4
8.4 24.5
8.16
T4
8.4
8.6
7.9 24.9
8.17
T5
8.9
8.0
7.8 24.7 8.23
V4 T1
9.1 8.2
9.0
26.3
8.76
T2
8.1 8.7
8.2 25.0
8.33
T3
7.9 9.1
8.1 25.1
8.37
T4
8.7
8.5
7.5 24.7
8.23
T5
8.5
8.7
9.4 26.6
8.87
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
15.950
5.317
24.844** 2.84
4.31
Factor B
4
0.521
0.130
0.61ns
2.61
3.83
AB
12
1.731
0.144
0.67ns
2.00
2.66
Error
40
8.560
0.214
Total
59
26.760
ns=not significant Coefficient of Variation: 5.45%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
36
APPENDIX TABLE 6. Percentage neck bending
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
100 100 100
300
66.67
T2
100
100
100
300 100.00
T4 100
100
100
300 100.00
T5 100
100 -
200 66.67
V2 T1
-
100 -
100 33.33
T2
100 100 100 300 100.00
T3
100 100 100 300 100.00
T4
100 100 100
300 100.00
T5
100 100
100
300 100.00
V3 T1
- 100 100 200
66.67
T2 100 100
100
300 100.00
T3 - -
100
100 33.33
T4
-
-
100
100
33.33
T5
100
100 100 300 100.00
V4 T1 -
100 100
200
66.67
T2 100 100
100
300 100.00
T3
100
100 100 300 100.00
T4 100 100
100 300 100.00
T5
100
100
100
300 100.00
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
9833.333
3277.778
3.2778*
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
12333.333
3083.333
3.0833*
2.61 3.83
AB
12
27666.667
2305.556
2.3056*
2.00 2.66
Error
40
40000.000
1000.000
Total
59
89833.333
*= significant Coefficient of variation: 38.72%
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
37
APPENDIX TABLE 7. Percentage of stem browning
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
50 30 6.9 160 53.33
T2
40 60 6.7 175 58.33
T3
50 50
6.7 180 60.00
T4
50
75
6.7 145 48.33
T5
40 30
6.5 90 30.00
V2 T1 80 45 6.8 225 75.00
T2
60 70 6.7 230 76.67
T3
80 90
6.9 270 90.00
T4
50 80
6.6 230 76.67
T5
50 70 6.8 215 71.67
V3 T1 70 50
6.9 210 70.00
T2 50 100
6.7 190 63.33
T3 50
70
6.7 210 70.00
T4 90 30
6.6 220 73.33
T5 50 50 6.5 200 66.67
V4 T1 75 95 6.9 265 88.33
T2
75 100 6.8 270 90.00
T3
75 100 6.9 275 91.67
T4 100 100
6.8 300 30.00
T5
75
95
6.7 245 81.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
13004.583 4334.861
9.3223** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
1580.833 395.208
0.85ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
1455.833 121.319
0.26ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
18600.000 465.000
Total
59
34641.250
ns=not significant Coefficient of variation: 30.05%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
38
APPENDIX TABLE 8. Flower quality 5 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00 1.00 1.00 3.00
1.00
T4 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
V2 T1
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T3
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T4
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
T5
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
V3 T1
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T4 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
V4 T1
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T2 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T4
1.00
1.00
1.00 3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
39
APPENDIX TABLE 9. Flower quality 10 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T2
1.00
2.00 2.00
5.00 1.67
T3
3.00
3.00
2.00 8.00 2.67
T4
3.00 3.00
2.00
8.00 2.67
T5
3.00
3.00
2.00 8.00 2.67
V2 T1
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T2
3.00
3.00
4.00
9.00
3.00
T3
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T4
3.00
3.00 3.00
9.00 3.00
T5
3.00
3.00
3.00 9.00
3.00
V3 T1
3.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T2
2.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T3
3.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T4
3.00
3.00
2.00
7.00 2.33
T5
3.00 3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
V4 T1
2.00 2.00 2.00 6.00
2.00
T2
2.00 3.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T3
3.00
2.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T4
3.00
2.00
2.00 8.00
2.67
T5
2.00
2.00 2.00
6.00
2.00
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
5.133
1.711
7.8974** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
2.167
0.542
2.50ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
3.033
0.253
1.17ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
8.667
0.217
Total
59
19.00
ns=not significant Coefficient of variation : 18.62%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
40
APPENDX TABLE 10. Flower quality 15 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 3.00 3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T2 2.00 3.00 3.00
8.00
2.67
T3
3.00 3.00
4.00
10.00
3.33
T4
3.00
4.00
3.00
10.00
3.33
T5
4.00
3.00
2.00
9.00
3.00
V2 T1
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
T2
4.00
4.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
T3
4.00
4.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
T4
4.00
4.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
T5
4.00
4.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
V3 T1
4.00
5.00
4.00
13.00
4.33
T2
4.00
5.00 3.00
12.00
4.00
T3
4.00
4.00 3.00
11.00
3.67
T4
4.00
4.00 4.00 12.00 4.00
T5
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
V4 T1
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T2
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T3
4.00
3.00
4.00
11.00
3.67
T4
4.00
3.00
4.00
11.00
3.67
T5
3.00
4.00
3.00
11.00
3.00
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
14.133
4.711
15.7037**
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
0.833
0.208
0.69ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
2.367
0.197
0.66ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
12.000
0.300
Total
59
29.333
ns=not significant Coefficient of variation: 14.94%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
41
APENDIX TABLE 11. Flower quality 20 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
T2
3.00
5.00 4.00 1200
4.67
T3
5.00
5.00
5.00
15.00 5.00
T4
4.00 5.00
5.00 14.00 4.67
T5
5.00 5.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
V2 T1
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T2
5.00
5.00 5.00 15.00
5.00
T3
5.00
5.00
5.00
15.00
5.00
T4
5.00
5.00
5.00
15.00
5.00
T5
5.00
5.00
5.00
15.00
5.00
V3 T1
5.00 5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T2
5.00 5.00
5.00 15.00 5.00
T3
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T4
5.00 5.00
5.00 15.00 5.00
T5
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
V4 T1
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T2
5.00
5.00 5.00 15.00
5.00
T3
5.00 5.00 5.00
15.00
5.00
T4
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T5
5.00 5.00 5.00
15.00 5.00
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUAR
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
E
Factor A
3
4.050
1.350
10.1250**
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
0.567
0.142
1.06ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
1.700
0.142
1.06ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
5.333
0.133
Total
59
11.650
ns= not significant Coefficient of variation: 7.53%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
42
APPENDIX TABLE 12. Stem quality 5 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00 1.00 1.00 3.00
1.00
T4 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
V2 T1
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T3
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T4
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
T5
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
V3 T1
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T4 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
V4 T1
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T2 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T4
1.00
1.00
1.00 3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
43
APPENDIX TABLE 13. Stem quality 10 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
2.00 2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T2
2.00 3.00 2.00
7.00
2.33.
T3
2.00 2.00
2.00 6.00 2.00
T4
3.00 2.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T5
2.00 2.00 2.00
6.00
2.00
V2 T1
2.00 2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T2
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T3
3.00 3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T4
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T5
3.00
2.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
V3 T1
2.00
1.00
2.00
5.00
1.67
T2
2.00
2.00
3.00
7.00
2.33
T3
2.00
3.00
3.00
8.00
2.67
T4
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T5
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
V4 T1
2.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T2
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T3
3.00
2.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T4
2.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T5
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00 2.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
2.050
0.683
3.1538*
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
2.067
0.517
2.38ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
2.200
0.183
0.84ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
8.667
0.217
Total
59
14.983
ns= not significant Coefficient of variation: 20.09%
*= significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
44
APPENDIX TABLE 14. Stem quality after 15 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
2.00
2.00
3.00
7.00
2.33
T2
3.00
4.00
3.00
10.00
3.33.
T3
3.00
4.00
4.00
10.00 3.33
T4
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00 3.00
T5
2.00
3.00
3.00
7.00
2.33
V2 T1
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00 2.00
T2
3.00
3.00
4.00
10.00 3.33
T3
4.00
3.00
4.00 11.00
3.67
T4
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T5
3.00
3.00
3.00 9.00
3.00
V3 T1
2.00
2.00
3.00 7.00
2.33
T2
3.00
3.00
3.00
6.00
2.00
T3
3.00
3.00 3.00
10.00
3.33
T4
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T5
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
V4 T1
4.00
4.00
2.00
10.00
3.33
T2
4.00
4.00
3.00
11.00
3.67
T3
4.00
3.00
4.00
11.00
3.33
T4
4.00
4.00
3.00
11.00 3.33
T5
4.00
4.00
3.00
11.00
3.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF
FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
4.400
1.467
5.5000** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
7.767
1.942
7.2813
2.61 3.83
AB
12
2.100
0.175
0.66ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
10.667
0.267
Total
59
24.933
ns=not significant Coefficient of variation: 16.48%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
45
APPENDIX TABLE 15. Stem quality 20 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
3.00
2.00
4.00
9.00
3.00
T2
4.00
5.00
4.00
14.00 4.67.
T3
4.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
4.67
T4
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00 4.00
T5
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
V2 T1
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T2
3.00
4.00
4.00
11.00
3.67
T3
5.00
4.00
4.00
14.00 4.67
T4
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
T5
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
V3 T1
3.00
2.00
4.00
9.00
3.00
T2
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
T3
4.00
4.00 5.00
13.00
4.33
T4
4.00
4.00 4.00
12.00
3.00
T5
4.00
4.00
3.00
11.00
3.67
V4 T1
5.00
5.00
3.00
13.00
4.33
T2
5.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
3.67
T3
5.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
3.67
T4
5.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
3.67
T5
5.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
3.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
7.733
2.578
7.7333**
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
13.833
3.458
10.3750**
2.61 3.83
AB
12
5.100
0.425
1.28ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
13.333
0.333
Total
59
40.000
**= highly significant Coefficient of variation: 14.43%
ns= not significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
DEL-ISEN, SONIA O. April 2010. Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties
of Gerbera as Affected by Different Holding Solutions. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad Benguet.
Adviser: Dr. Araceli G. Ladilad, PhD
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the effect of the different holding
solutions on the vaselife and other postharvest characteristics of four varieties of
gerbera and to determine the best holding solution that will prolong the vaselife of the
four varieties of gerbera.
Gerbera cutflowers at 25 % anthesis of flower maturity were held in distilled
water, 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox per liter water, 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox per liter
water, 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox per liter water and 20 g sucrose +
250 ppm 7- up + 5 ml chlorox per liter of water.
Results showed that distilled water can be used to prolong the vaselife of
gerberas harvested at 25% anthesis. Distilled water also promoted better quality of
flower and cutflower and it also lessened the percentage of neck bending and stem
browning.
Among the four gerbera varieties, cv. cosmo or a yellow colored gerbera was the
best among the different vaieties. This variety had the longest vaselife of 21 days and
maintained the best quality in terms of flowers and stems.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Crop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Floral Preservatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Holding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 6
Water pH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Longevity and Vaselife of Cutflowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Senescence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
ii
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Vaselife of cutflowers as affected
by different holding solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Initial and Final pH of the Holding
solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
Volume of Solution Taken - up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
Number of Days to 100% Anthesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Maximum Flower Diameter Attained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Percentage Neck Bending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Percentage Stem browning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Flower Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
Stem Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
iii
1
INTRODUCTION
Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) popularly known as Transvaal daisy, is one of
the ten most popular commercial cut flowers in the world and according to the global
trends in floriculture, it occupies the fourth place among cutflowers (Choudhary and
Prasad, 2000). It is in considerable demand in both domestic and export markets.
The blooms are attractive, suitable for any type of floral arrangements and are
available in different shades and hues. Besides floral arrangements, gerbera is widely
used in bouquets and in dry flower crafts. The cutflowers have a long vaselife, which
fetches premium market prices. The flowers are hardy and stand the rigors of
transportation admirably. Gerbera comes up well under a wide range of climatic
conditions and topographies. Due to changes in social and cultural life style of people, cut
flowers have found an important place in various social functions and daily activities.
This flower is associated with star sign Leo (Larson, 1980). The meanings of
gerbera flowers stem from those attributed to the general daisy family. These meanings
include innocence and purity, and daisies are also a classic symbol of beauty. However,
the gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the
assortment of colors available.
Unlike other cutflower such as anthurium whose flowers are readily available in
the market every time it is needed, gerbera is rarely seen in flower shops and if available
the quantity is limited even though it is an herbaceous perennial. This is attributed to the
few numbers of growers who ventured into the production of this potential cutflower.
Related to this, observation show that the vaselife of gerbera is
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
2
shorter with 7 to 10 days using tap water only compared to anthurium and
chrysanthemum with longer vaselife.
Postharvest techniques to prolong vaselife are important in cutflower production
and marketing in advanced countries. Cutflower are stored using either controlled
atmosphere and refrigerated storage trucks and van along with preservatives for opening
and lengthening the vaselife of cutflowers.
There is lack of information in the postharvest life of these less popular
cutflowers in the local market but are being grown and used commercially in the national
and international markets. Some growers and florists know some of the postharvest
techniques to lengthen the Vaselife of cutflowers but there is lack of facilities and
chemicals to use. Lengthening the life of cutflowers is a problem to growers especially
when the prise is high and when there is empending bad weather. Consumers and florist
also want to prolong the Vaselife of cutflowers by maintaining their aesthetic value for
longer periods prior to marketing to wait for higher price.
Keeping quality is an important parameter for evaluation of cut flower quality, for
both domestic and export markets. Addition of chemical preservatives to the holding
solution is recommended to prolong the vase-life of cut flowers. All holding solutions
must essentially contain two components viz., sugar and germicides. The sugars provide
a respiratory substrate, while the germicides control harmful bacteria and prevent
plugging of the conducting tissues. Therefore, the techniques of prolonging the vase-life
of flowers will be a great asset to the growers and users.
Growing gerbera can be developed as a profitable business in Baguio and
Benguet. Production of gerbera cutflowers could also provide a good source of income.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
3
Growers of cutflowers are not yet knowledgeable on the issues concerning the
postharvest losses and as a result, the country’s cutflower industry declines. The
cutflower industry must then be quick to adapt to the continually changing market
demand if it is to remain viable. This includes the need to respond to the increasing
sophisticated cutflowers in terms of quality and volume.
And finally, it is hoped that this study will help gerbera growers in prolonging the
postharvest life of their cutflower and make these flowers available in the market
throughout the year.
The study was conducted to determine the postharvest characteristics of the four
varieties of gerbera held at the different holding solutions and to determine the best
holding solutions that will prolong postharvest life of the three varieties of gerbera.
The study was conducted at the Horticulture Service Laboratory of the
Department of Horticulture, Benguet State University, La Trinidad Benguet from
February to March 2010.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Crop
The Gerbera Daisy or Gerbera is also known as the Transvaal Daisy, African
Daisy, Barberton Daisy. Gerbera daisies are colourful plants that belong to the Asteraceae
family. It is native to South Africa (the Transvaal and Cape Province) and was named
after German naturalist Traugott Gerber in 1743. Gerbera Daisies are now grown
commercially in large quantities in California, Florida and also in the Netherlands,
Columbia and surrounding countries in South America, and Israel.
The flat-faced, symmetrical, daisy-like flowers, 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) across,
possess a beautiful satin sheen. They have a yellow or dark center. The thin, leafless
flower stalk varies between 10-24 inches (25-60 cm) in length. Gerbera species bear a
large capitulum with striking, two-lipped ray florets in yellow, orange, white, pink or red
colors. The capitulum, which has the appearance of a single flower, is actually composed
of hundreds of individual flowers. The morphology of the flowers varies depending on
their position in the capitulum. The flower heads can be as small as 7 cm (Gerbera mini
Harley) in diameter or up to 12 cm (Gerbera Golden Serena).
Gerbera is very popular and widely used as a decorative garden plant or as cut
flowers. The domesticated cultivars are mostly a result of a cross between Gerbera
jamesonii and another South African species Gerbera viridifolia. The cross is known as
Gerbera hybrida. Thousands of cultivars exist. They vary greatly in shape and size.
Colors include white, yellow, orange, red, and pink. The center of the flower is
sometimes black. Often the same flower can have petals of several different colors
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
5
Floral Preservatives
Using a preservative definitely increases the longevity of cut flowers. To survive,
flowers need three ingredients: biocides, sugar and acidifiers (Kilkelly, 2009).
A biocide is simply an ingredient that kills bacteria that live in the vase water.
The sugars that are in the stem sap and plant food are released into the water when the
flowers are added to the vase. Bacteria thrive on these sugars and the bacteria populations
increase immediately. When the flowers begin to pull water up the stem during the
normal transpiration process, the bacteria clogs the stem and the vase life of the flowers is
shortened. A biocide keeps the population of the bacteria under control or very low so the
flowers can pull water up the stem without blockage.
Sugar or a sugar-type substance is what is considered the plant "food." This is
what the flower uses for energy to stay alive. When a flower is closed or in the bud stage,
it needs the energy created by the sugar to open and stay fresh. Sugar also increases
bacteria populations so a biocide must be added to the floral preservative to counteract
the explosion in bacteria that occurs when sugar is added to the water.
An acidifier is added to the water to lower the pH of the water to as low as 3.0.
The reason that flowers last longer in a low pH water environment is that acidic water
has an astringent effect that forces the flowers to take up water. Also, acidic water has a
sterilizing and disinfecting effect on the vase water. For an acidifier, citric acid is
readily available and cheap. It’s present in citrus fruits (like lemons, limes and oranges),
but these juices color the vase water. Lemon-lime beverages such as Sprite® and 7-
Up® are colorless and contain not only citric acid, but sugar. These beverages can be
used since carbonation is not important in maintaining flowers.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
6
Holding Solution
Sucrose as a holding solution is beneficial because it is the source of energy due
to the closure of stomata and reduction of water loss (Wheally, 1992). Marousky,
(1969) found that sucrose solution weight and longevity of cutflower.
According to Rimando (1982), the optimum levels of sucrose must be provided
to successfully open cutflowers to quality blooms. Furthermore, the preservatives in
addition to extending the vaselife of cutflowers had been used as opening solutions for
cutflower harvested at immature stage of flower development.
Organic acids are used to lower the pH of the solution. A low pH was shown
favor the activity of the enzyme since acidification of the water tends to minimize
physiological stem blockage. A pH of 3.5 to 4.0 extends vaselife because it inhibits
indigenous enzymes essential for stem plugging. Citric acid also improves water
balance and reduces stem plugging.
Water pH
Acidity alteration is the most important of the three considerations of components
of floral preservatives since alkaline or high pH water/solution is damaging to
cutflowers. Reduced water potential of the holding solution usually influences and
decrease pH of water and sugar uptake. A low pH inhibits indigenous enzymes essential
for stem plugging (Reid, 2000) and tends to minimize physiological stem blockage.
Various chemicals are used to increase the acidity of a solution. The most available
chemical is the vinegar. However, vinegar whitens the stem when included in the holding
solution (Alacyang, 1998). Citric acid can replace vinegar to increase acidity of the
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
7
solution (Anonymous, 2009). Aside from citric acid, ascorbic acid also is used. Ascorbic
acid also lowers the pH of the solution and thus it is also used in prolonging the vaselife
of cutflowers.
For an acidifier, citric acid is readily available and cheap. It’s present in citrus
fruits (like lemons, limes and oranges), but these juices color the vase water. Lemon-lime
beverages such as Sprite and 7-Up are colorless and contain not only citric acid, but
sugar, too. What’s more, you can even use these beverages after they’ve gone flat, since
carbonation is not important in maintaining flowers (Greer, 2009).
Vaselife and Longevity of Cutflowers
Temperature is the major factor affecting the storage and vaselife of cutflowers.
This is through its influence on the respiration rate of the flowers and their response to
ethylene, moisture loss, and physical damage. Cooling is also necessary to reduce other
metabolic activities and to slow the rate of opening of flowers. The temperature of
flowers and foliage at harvest is normally close to that of the ambient air. At this
temperature, respiration activity is very high and storage/ vaselife will be short. Flowers
including gerbera are highly perishable and deteriorate quickly when exposed to
unfavourable environmental conditions such as adverse temperature. Any technology
which ensures cutflowers reach the required low temperature as soon as possible and also
maintains this optimal temperature is of considerable benefit to people involved in their
production and sale. Rapid cooling is therefore the vital first step in the cool chain of
cutflowers (Anonymous, 2009).
Ethylene reduces the longevity of some flowers and foliage by causing rapid
wilting of petals, shedding or shattering of petals or other changes to petal tissues such as
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
8
loss of change of color. Therefore, flowers which are sensitive to ethylene should not be
held in the same cool store as ethylene-producing fruit, vegetable of foliage or be
exposed to exhaust fumes.
As cited by Mastalerz (1956), that turgidity of plants and flowers are dependent
upon a balance between rate of water supply and plant intake. Turgidity is for the
continuance of normal metabolic activity in cutflowers s it is needed for the development
of the flower buds to full bloom maturity at high level.
Leopold (1975) also reported that, as distinguished from aging which involves
gradual changes in time , same changes may deteriorate but not lethal in themselves. A
fresh flower is still a living and actively metabolising entity, whose lifespan is
subsequently terminated by senescence that in turn is especially involved in the
deteriorating changes that leads to death.
Wheally (1992) stated that free movement of air avoids ethylene build up which
greatly affect longevity of flowers.
Rimando (1982) said that for every 10oc rise in temperature, the rate of metabolic
processes including the rate of stored food used in respiration is doubled. High
temperature favors the opening of flowers and reduces carbohydrate levels which
adversely affect flower longevity.
Senescence
A fresh cutflower is still living and actively metabolizing entity whose lifespan is
subsequently terminated by senescence as distinguished from aging which involves
gradual changes that are deteriorative but not lethal in them (Leopold, 1975). Flower
remaining o slower pace plant are also senescing g but at much slower pace. The onset of
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
9
senescence maybe related to some antecedents changes that occur before harvest
(Mastalerz, 1956).
Senescence is a concept of physiological and biochemical process. The initial
event if senescence remains obscure during the development of some cutflower like
carnation and rose, a climacteric rise in ethylene production signifies the promotion of
senescence. Thereafter, a change in permeability of tissues can be detected (Mayak,
1987).
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
10
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The materials used in the study were 4 varieties of gerbera cutflowers harvested at
25% anthesis, catsup bottles, labelling materials, cutter, stirring rod, beaker, weighing
balance, aluminum foil and portable pH meter.
Newly harvested gerbera were obtained at 25% anthesis. Before the treatment, the
stem ends were cut at the basal ends in a slanting manner before placing them in the
different holding solutions. All gerbera cutflowers had a uniform length of 45 cm. All
bottles were then covered with aluminum foil.
The study was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in factorial
arrangement with varieties as factor A and the different holding solutions as factor B as
shown in Figure 1. There were three replications per treatment and one sample cutflower
per replication. The volume of the holding solutions was 200 ml per bottle. The
cutflowers were held in an ambient room condition for observation.
The different treatments were as follows:
Factor A (Variety)
V1 - cosmo (yellow)
V2 – buenavista (orange)
V3 – figo (figo)
V4 – carat (yellow-red)
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
11
Figure 1. An overview of the experiment 10 days from after setting –up
Factor B (Holding Solutions)
T1- control (distilled water)
T2 -20 grams sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water
T3-20 grams sucrose + 10 ml chlorox/li water
T4-20 grams sucrose + 1 gram ascorbic acid + 5ml chlorox / li water
T5-20 grams sucrose + 250 ppm uncola pop drink (7-up) +5 ml
chlorox/ li water
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
12
Data Gathered
1. Vaselife. This was be taken by counting the number of days from holding of the
cutflower in the solution up to the onset of senescence.
2. Volume of solution taken up. This was obtained by measuring the final volume
of the solution per treatment at the end of the postharvest life of the cut flower and was
deducted from the initial volume of 200 ml.
3. Initial and final pH of the holding solution. This measured at holding and
termination of the postharvest life of the cutflower using a pH meter.
4. Daily temperature of the room (oC). This was recorded daily.
5. Number of days from holding to 100% anthesis. This was taken by counting the
number of days from immersion of the stem ends to full opening of the flower.
6. Maximum flower diameter attained (cm). The maximum diameter of the flower
will be measured at full bloom stage.
7. Percentage of neck bending. Percentage of neck bending was taken after the stem
ends were soaked in the different holding solutions.
8. Percentage of stem browning. This was taken at the termination of the study
using the following index.
Index Description
10 - 20% stem browning less than 2.54 cm
21 – 40 % stem browning at least 2.54 cm
41 – 60 % stem browning at least 3.81 cm
61 – 80 % stem browning at least 5.08 cm
81 – 100 % stem browning at least 6.35 cm
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
13
9. Flower quality. This was observed daily for the purpose of evaluation. This was
rated using the following rating index.
Index Description
1 no damage
2 10-20% petals with damage
3 30-40% petals with damage
4 50-70% petals with damage
5 70-100% petals with damage
10. Stem quality. The stem quality of each sample was obtained daily using the
following rating index.
Index Description
1 dark green, no injury
2 green and rotting at the base (<2.54cm)
3 green and rotting at the base (>2.54cm)
4 yellow green and rotting at the base (<2.54)
5 yellow green and rotting at the base (>2.54)
11. Documentation of the study. This was taken through pictures.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
14
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Vaselife of cutflowers as affected
by different holding solutions
Vaselife of cutflowers as affected by holding solution is summarized in Table 1.
Effect of variety. Significantly, Cosmo variety exhibited longest vaselife with a
mean of 19.600 days followed by the carat, and then the figo while buenavista variety
had the shortest vaselife of 14.93 days. This could be attributed to the varietal differences
and characteristics affecting the vaselife of cutflowers.
Effect of holding solution. Statistical analysis did not show any significant
differences among the different holding solution as far as vaselife is concerned.
Numerically however, findings show that gerbera cutflowers held in 20 g sucrose + 5 ml
chlorox had the longest vaselife of 16.667 days while those cutflowers soaked in 20 g
sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water attained the shortest vaselife within
15.50 days.
Rimando (1980) stated that the loss of turgidity, exposure to ethylene, and
shortage of respirable substances are most decisive factor, which may trigger the onset of
senescence of cutflower at any stage of their development whether they are still attached
or already detached from the plant. Waters (1966) concluded that proper storage, methods
and postharvest procedures can extend vaselife, but if not correctly used they may do
otherwise.
Interaction Effect. No significant differences were observed on the interaction
effect among the different varieties and the different holding solution affecting the
vaselife of gerbera cutflowers.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
15
Table 1. Vaselife of cutflowers as affected by different holding solutions
TREATMENTS VASELIFE ( days)
Variety
Cosmo 19.60a
Buenavista 12.27d
Figo 14.93c
Carat 17.80b
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 16.58a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 16.67a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 15.75a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 15.50a
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 16.25a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Initial and Final pH of the Holding Solution
Table 2 shows that initial pH of distilled water is more alkaline compared to the
initial pH of the different holding solution which ranges from 6.6 to 6.8.
In the final pH, there was a gradual decrease in the pH of holding solutions
containing 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox and 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7
– up and including the control or distilled water only while an increase in pH was evident
in holding solutions containing 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox and 20g sucrose + 10 ml
chlorox.
When the pH of a solution is more acidic, the molecules are more hydrophilic or
they tend to stick together more. So, a good preservative includes an agent to lower the
pH of the solution, which encourages hydration. This is normally a mild acid such as
citric acid or ascorbic acid. Citric acid is readily available and cheap. It’s present in citrus
fruits (like lemons, limes and oranges), but these juices color the vase water. Lemon-lime
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
16
Table 2. Initial and final pH of the holding solution
TREATMENTS pHU_
INITIAL FINAL
Variety
Cosmo 6.66
Buenavista 6.73
Figo 7.03
Carat 6.75
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 7.0 6.88
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 6.7 6.99
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 6.6 6.89
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 6.8 6.62
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 6.7 6.57
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5 % level by DMRT
beverages such as Sprite and 7-Up are colorless and contain not only citric acid, but sugar
too (Greer, 2009).
Volume of Solution Taken – up.
Effect of variety. Statistical analysis show significant differences on the effect of
variety to the volume of solution taken –up. Figo gerbera had the highest volume of
solution absorbed with a mean of 19.20 ml compared to Cosmo gerbera having the least
volume of solution taken –up.
Effect of holding solution. Table 3 shows that gerbera cutflowers held in 20 g
sucrose + 5 ml chlorox had significantly faster rate of solution uptake with a mean of
20.42 ml of solution absorbed upon the termination of the study as compared to the
flowers held in other solution. On the other hand, cutflowers held in a solution containing
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox had the lowest volume of solution
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
17
Table 3. Volume of solution taken-up
TREATMENTS VOLUME ( ml)
Variety
Cosmo 11.73b
Buenavista 17.67a
Figo 19.20a
Carat 15.73ab
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 16.08ab
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 20.42a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 13.67b
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 14.17b
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 16.08ab
Means with the same letter are not significantly different with 5% level by DMRT
absorbed with a very slow rate of absorption. Mean was 13.67, which is comparable with
those other solution
Interaction effect. Statistical analysis showed no significant interaction on the
volume of solution taken – up as affected by the different variety held at the different
holding solution. However, yellow gerbera held at 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox absorbed
the lowest volume compared to pink gerbera held at 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox
absorbing the highest volume of 20.417 ml.
Number of Days to 100% Anthesis
Effect of variety. No significant differences as to the number of days to 100%
anthesis prevailed among the varieties tested (Table 4). Buenavista gerbera attained 100%
anthesis the earliest in 10.333 days, followed by the carat gerbera with a mean of 10.73
days, the pink with 11.07 days and lastly yellow gerbera attained 100% flower opening in
longest day of 11.80.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
18
Table 4. Number of days to 100% anthesis
TREATMENTS NUMBER OF DAYS
Variety
Cosmo 11.80a
Buenavista 10.33a
Figo 11.07a
Carat 10.73a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 10.83a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 10.75a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 10.83a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 10.58a
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 11.92a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Effect of holding solution. As shown in Table 4, there are no significant
differences observed on the effect of different holding solutions for the gerbera
cutflowers to attain 100% flower opening. However, faster opening was attained by
cutflowers held in solution containing 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox
with a mean of 10.58. Cutflowers held at 20 g sucrose + 250 7-up opened fully the
longest after 11.92 days as shown in Figures 2 to 5.
Interaction effect. No significant differences on the interaction effect of the
different varieties of gerbera and the different holding solution. However, cosmo variety
when soaked in 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm citric acid + 5 ml chlorox per liter of water will
attain the longest days to 100% full flower opening having a mean of 11.92 dayswhile
buenavista variety soaked in 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox per liter of water had the
shortest days to attain 100% full flower opening with a mean of 10.75days.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
19
Figure 2. Cv. Cosmo (yellow)
Figure 3. Cv. Buenavista (orange)
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
20
Figure 4. Cv. Figo (pink)
Figure 5. Cv. Carat (yellow-red)
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
21
Maximum Flower Diameter Attained
Effect of variety. Significantly bigger blooms were measured on the buenavista
variety with a mean of 9.30 cm. This was followed by the carat with a mean of 8.53 cm
which is comparable to the figo having a mean of 8.19cm. Figo gerbera is comparable to
the cosmo variety having the smallest bloom of 7.93 cm. Varietal differences and
characteristics explain such result.
Effect of holding solution. No significant difference was noted on the effect of
holding solution on the maximum diameter of the gerbera cutflower. But, cutflowers held
in solutions containing 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7-up + 5 ml chlorox had the biggest
flower bloom of 8.63 while the smallest flower bloom was noted on the cutflowers held
at 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox with a mean of 8.38 cm.
According to Rimando (1982), there are no preservatives, which are equally
effective for all types of flowers. The optimum concentrations of different components of
preservatives would vary from one flower to another.
Table 5. Maximum flower diameter attained
TREATMENTS DIAMETER ( cm )
Variety
Yellow 7.93c
Orange 9.30a
Pink 8.19bc
Yellow-red 8.53b
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 8.51a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 8.53a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 8.40a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 8.38a
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 8.63a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
22
The optimum levels of sucrose must be provided to successfully open cutflowers
into a quality blooms. Furthermore, the preservatives in addition to extending vaselife
had been used as opening solution for cutflowers harvested at immature stage of flower
development.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect was observed on the maximum
flower diameter as affected by the different variety and holding solutions.
Percentage Neck Bending
Effect of variety. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant
differences observed. Carat variety showed the highest percentage of neck bending with a
mean of 93.33. This is comparable to the cosmo and buenavista. While figo had the
lowest percentage of neck bending with a mean of 60.00 percent.
Effect holding solution. Significant differences were observed on the different
holding solutions affecting the percentage of stem browning. Cutflowers held in 20 g
sucrose + 5 ml chlorox attained 100 percent neck bending compared to cutflowers held in
Table 6. Percentage neck bending
TREATMENTS PERCENTAGE
Variety
Yellow 86.67a
Orange 86.67a
Pink 60.00b
Yellow-red 93.33a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 58.33b
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 100.00a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 75.00ab
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 83.33ab
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 91.67a
Means with the same letter is not significantly different with 5% level by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
23
solution containing distilled water only having the lowest percentage of neck bending
with a mean of 58.33.
Interaction effect. Significant interaction effect was observed on different
varieties of gerbera held at the different holding solutions as shown in Figure 6. Figo
variety held at 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox per liter of water had the lowest of zero
percentage on neck bending while all the other varieties had all attained 100 percent neck
bending when soaked on the different holding solutions except distilled water.
100
cosmo
buenavista
figo
carat
90
80
70
ng
ndi 60
be
ck 50
e ne
ag 40
r
cent
pe 30
20
10
0
distilled water
T2
T3
T4
5
holding solutions
Figure 6. Percentage of neck bending of four varieties of gerbera as affected by different
holding solutions
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
24
Percentage Stem Browning
Effect of variety. Table 7 shows the effect of variety on the percentage of stem
browning. Carat variety attained the highest percentage of stem browning with a mean of
90.33.while cosmo variety maintained the lowest percentage of stem browning.
Effect of holding solution. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences
that were observed on the effect of holding solution. However, results showed that the
cutflowers that were held in 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox had the lowest
percentage of stem browning and cutflowers soaked in a solution containing 20 g sucrose
+ 10 ml chlorox had the greatest percentage of 77.92 in terms of stem browning.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect was noted on the different
variety and the different holding solution. However, cosmo soaked in 20 g sucrose + 250
carat soaked in 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox having the greatest percentage of stem
browning.
Table 7. Percentage of stem browning
TREATMENTS PERCENTAGE
Variety
Yellow 50.00a
Orange 78.00ab
Pink 68.67b
Yellow-red 90.33a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 71.67a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 72.08a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 77.92a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml chlorox /li water 74.58a
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml chlorox / li water 62.50a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5 % by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
25
Flower Quality
Effect of variety. As shown in Table 8, significant differences were observed on
the different varieties in terms of flower quality 10, 15 and 20 days. While there was no
different on the 5th day of observation on flower quality. Results reveal that, buenavista
gerbera had observed to attain the highest flower quality within the duration of 10 to 20
days. In contrast, cosmo had maintained to have the lesser damage on the flowers within
this duration of observation.
Effect of holding solution. Statistical analysis showed that there were no
significant differences among the different holding solution on the flower quality of
gerbera in the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th day of observation.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect was obtained between the
different varieties and the different holding solutions on the flower quality rating 5, 10 15
and 20 days from holding.
Table 8. Flower quality
MEAN
TREATMENTS 5TH 10TH 15TH 20TH
day day day day
Variety
Yellow 1.00 2.33b 3.07b 4.40b
Orange 1.00 3.00a 4.27a 5.00a
Pink 1.00 2.40b 4.00a 5.00a
Yellow-red 1.00 2.27b 3.33b 5.00a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 1.00 2.25a 3.58a 4.75a
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 1.00 2.33a 3.50a 4.75a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 1.00 2.75a 3.75a 5.00a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml 1.00 2.67a 3.83a 4.92a
chlorox /li water
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml 1.00 2.50a 3.67a 4.83a
chlorox / li water
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5 % by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
26
Stem Quality
Effect of variety. No significant differences were observed on the flower quality
after 5 days of holding wherein the different gerbera varieties had all the same stem
quality rating of 1. On the other hand, significant differences were noted on the stem
quality of the different gerbera on the 10th, 15th, and 20th days of observation.
Effect of holding solution. Statistical analysis reveals that there were not
significant differences observed on the stem quality of gerbera after 5 and 10 days from
holding. Day 5 had a stem quality rating of 1.00 while in day 10 stem quality rating
ranges from 2.00 to 2.50. However, significant differences were noted on the stem quality
of gerbera after 15 and 20 days wherein cutflowers soaked in distilled water only showed
the lowest stem damage within this period compared to cutflowers held in 20 g sucrose +
10 ml chlorox having the highest stem quality rating.
Table 9. Stem quality
MEAN
TREATMENTS 5TH 10TH 15TH 20TH
day day day day
Variety
Yellow 1.00 2.13b 3.00b 3.93b
Orange 1.00 2.53a 3.00b 3.67b
Pink 1.00 2.13b 2.93b 3.80b
Yellow-red 1.00 2.47ab 3.60a 4.60a
Holding Solution
Distilled water (control) 1.00 2.00a 2.50c 3.08b
20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox / li water 1.00 2.50a 3.33ab 4.17a
20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox / li water 1.00 2.50a 3.58a 4.50a
20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5 ml 1.00 2.33a 3.17ab 4.17a
chlorox /li water
20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up + 5 ml 1.00 2.25a 3.08b 4.08a
chlorox / li water
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
27
Interaction effect. Results show that there were no significant differences that
were observed between the different varieties and the effect of holding solutions.
Daily Temperature of the Holding Room
Cutflowers of different varieties of gerbera were held for 21 days in the Tissue
Culture Laboratory Room in floriculture for observations. The room temperature was
gathered daily from holding to the termination of the study. Within the duration of the
experiment, the temperature of the holding room ranges from 22- 26 oC as shown in
Table 10.
Table 1.Daily temperature of the holding room
TEMPERATURE( OC)
TIME/ DATE 10:00 am 2:00pm
February 24 22
22
February 25 23
23
February 26 22
23
February 27 23
24
February 28 24
23
March 1
24
25
March 2
24
24
March 3
24
24
March 4
25
25
March 5
24
25
March 6
25
25
March 7
26
26
March 8
22
23
March 9
22
24
March 10
25
25
March 11
22
23
March 12
22
23
March 13
22
23
March 14
26
26
March 15
26
26
March 16
25
25
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
28
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Different varieties of gerbera cutflowers harvested at 25% anthesis were held in
different holding solutions including distilled water, 20 g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox per liter
water, 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox per liter water, 20 g sucrose + 1 g ascorbic acid + 5
ml chlorox per liter water and 20 g sucrose + 250 ppm 7- up + 5 ml chlorox per liter of
water.
Results showed that distilled water alone can be used to prolong the vaselife of
gerbera cutflowers. But the cosmo variety had attained the longest vaselife of 19.600
days. The volume of solution taken –up was higher in figo gerbera cutflowers held at 20
g sucrose + 5 ml chlorox.
No significant differences are observed on the number of days to attain 100 %
flower opening. Nevertheless, orange or the buenavista to be held in the different holding
solution will result to a wider flower diameter as compared to the other varieties.
In the percentage of neck bending, pink gerbera held in distilled water alone has
the lowest percentage of neck bending as compared to orange gerbera held in 20 g
sucrose + 5 ml chlorox for having the highest percentage of 100. On the other hand, 20 g
sucrose + 250 ppm 7 –up lessened the percentage of stem browning on the yellow variety
while 20 g sucrose + 10 ml chlorox increased the percentage of stem browning in carat
gerbera.
As for the flower quality and stem quality, it was obviously noted that yellow or
cosmo had the best quality and distilled water only will promote the best quality on
cutflowers.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
29
Conclusions
Based on the results, distilled water alone can be used to prolong the vaselife of
gerberas harvested at 25% anthesis. Distilled water also promoted better quality of flower
and stem on the cutflowers. It also lessened the percentage of neck bending and stems
browning.
In the different varieties, cosmo variety or the yellow colored gerbera was the best
among the different varieties. This cosmo variety had attained the longest vaselife and
maintained the best quality in terms of flower and stem.
Recommendations
Based on the findings, in order to attain longer vaselife, using of holding
solutions is not recommended because distilled water alone will prolong the vaselife of
cutflowers and for a better flower and stem quality than those cutflowers held in other
floral preservatives.
Cosmo variety is also recommended due to its longer vaselife and better quality in
terms of flower and stem after 21 days of holding.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
30
LITERATURE CITED
ALACYANG, J. 1998. Influence of holding Solution on the Postharvest of Carnation cvs.
Desio and Orange Isaac. BS Thesis. BSU, La Trinidad Benguet. pp. 1- 15
ANONYMOUS. 2009. http://www. aginfone. com/agricarta/content/kdried flower/
postharvest.html.
CHOUDHARY, M. L. and PRASAD, K. V. 2000. Protected cultivation of ornamental
crops. An insight. Indian Hort. 45(1): 49-53
GREER, L. 2009. Making home made preservatives. December 26, 2009.
http://www.learn2grow.com
KILKELLY, J. 2009. http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/factsheet specific crops/
presvcut. html. Retrieved on December 16, 2009.
LARSON, R. A. 1980. Introduction to Floriculture. Academic Press, Inc. NewYork,USA.
Pp. 73-78
LEOPOLD, A. C. 1975. Aging Senescence and turning over in Plants.Bio.Sci.25:659-
662
MAROUSKY, F. J. 1969. Vascular blockage, water absorption, stomatal opening and
Respiration of cut “better times” rose treated with 8-hydroxyquinoline citrat and
sucrose. Proc. Am.Soc.Horti. Sci. 94: 223-226
MASTALERZ, J.W. 1956.The Greenhouse Environment. New York. John Wiley and
Sons. P.62
MAYAK, S. 1987. Science of Cutflowers. Proc. Am. Soc. Hort. 22: 863-868
REID, M. S. 2000. Postharvest Technology, Research and Information Center. Retrieved
on March 17, 2010. http:// postharvest. Ucdavis.edu./ index.html.
RIMANDO, T. J. 1982. Postharvest Physiology and Handling of Cutflowers. A paper
presented during the 2nd professional chair lecture in commercial Horticulture.
March 21 at UPCA, UPLB, Laguna. P. 35.
WHEALLY, A. C. 1992. Carnation: An Introduction to Floriculture. Ray Larson 2nd
Ed.New York. Academic Press. Pp. 43-46.
WATERS, W. E. 1966. The Influence of Postharvest Handling Technique on the Vaselife
of Gladiolus flower. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Sci. 79: 452- 456.
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
31
APPENDICES
APPENDIX TABLE 1. Vaselife of cutflowers as affected by holding solutions (days)
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T1 21 21 21 63 21.00
T2 21 19 19 59 19.67
T3 20 18 19 56 18.67
T4 21 18 18 57 19.00
T5 18 20 21 59 19.67
V2 T1 12 14 16 42 14.00
T2 12 14 14 40 13.33
T3 11 11 11 33 11.00
T4 15 10 11 36 12.00
T5 11 10 12 33 11.00
V3 T1 11 13 14 38 12.67
T2 15 16 16 47 15.67
T3 14 16 17 47 15.67
T4 14 15 16 45 15.00
T5 19 14 14 47 15.67
V4T1 20 18 18 56 18.67
T2 18 18 18 54 18.00
T3 17 18 17 53 17.67
T4 19 16 17 52 17.33
T5 18 20 18 56 18.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
467.783
155.928
60.3591** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
12.567
3.142
3.142*
2.61 3.83
AB
12
53.967
4.497
4.497**
2.00 2.66
Error
40
103.333
2.583
2.583
Total
59
637.650
*= significant Coefficient of variation : 9.95%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
32
APPENDIX TABLE 2. Final pH of the solution
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 6.9 6.8 6.9 20.6 6.68
T2 9.9 6.9 6.7 20.5 6.83
T3 6.7 6.7 6.7 20.1 6.70
T 6.5 6.5 6.7 19.7 6.67
T5 6.5 6.6
6.5 19.6 6.53
V2 T1 6.9 6.9 6.8 20.6 6.87
T2 6.7
6.9 6.7 20.3 6.77
T3 6.5 6.9 6.9 20.3 6.77
T4 6.6 6.9 6.6 20.1 6.70
T5 6.6 6.8 6.8 20.2 6.73
V3 T1 6.9 6.9 6.9
20.7
6.90
T2 6.8 6.8 6.7
20.3 6.77
T3 6.7
6.6 6.7 20.0 6.67
T4 6.5 6.4 6.6 19.5 6.50
T5 6.6 6.4
6.5
19.5 6.50
V4 T1 6.9 6.9
6.9 20.7 6.90
T2 6.7 6.9 6.8 20.4 6.80
T3 6.7 6.9 6.9 20.5 6.83
T4 6.6 6.7 6.8 20.1 6.70
T5 6.7 6.7 6.7
20.1 6.70
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
1.186
0.394
1.38ns
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
1.676
0.419
1.47ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
3.063
0.255
0.89ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
11.413
0.285
Total
59
17.334
ns= not significant Coefficient of Variation: 7.87%
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
33
APPENDIX TABLE 3. Volume of solution taken-up
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 16 12 12
40
13.00
T2
14
10
12 36
12.00
T3 8
9 8 25
8.00
T4
20
6 10 36 12.00
T5 16 12 11 39 13.00
V2 T1
20
18 20
58
19.33
T2
22 45 13
80
26.67
T3
10 13
9 32 10.67
T4
13 18
14 45 15.00
T5
14
14
16
44 14.67
V3 T1
10 14
20 44
14.67
T2
22
28
28 78
26.00
T3
19
25
14 58
19.33
T4
18
14
16 48
16.00
T5
25 21
14 60
20.00
V4 T1
16
19 16 51
17.00
T2
14 18 19 51
17.00
T3
11 19 13
43 14.33
T4
17
10 14 41
13.67
T5
10
12
28
50
16.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
468.983
156.328
5.1879** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
339.500
84.875
2.8166*
2.61 3.83
AxB
12
346.767
28.897
0.96ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
1205.333
30.133
Total
59
637.650
*= significant Coefficient of variation: 34.13%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
34
APPENDIX TABLE 4. Number of days to 100 % anthesis
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
10 14 10 34
11.33
T2
10 14 12 36 12.00
T3
11 13
11 35
11.67
T4
14 10
9 33 11.00
T5
12 11 16 39
11.00
V2 T1
9
10
10
29
9.67
T2
7
15
13 35 11.67
T3
11
11
12 33
11.00
T5
8
11 10 29
9.67
V3 T1
11
11 12 34
11.33
T2
9 10 11
30 10.00
T3 10
9 14 33 11.00
T4
7
10 11 28 9.33
T5
13
15 13 41 13.67
V4 T1
11
13 9 33
11.00
T2 8
10
10 28
9.33
T3
10
12
11
33 11.00
T4 10 10
13 33
11.00
T5 12
12
10
34
11.33
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF MEAN OF
FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
17.383
5.794
1.42ns
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
13.567
3.392
0.83ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
44.700
3.725
0.91ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
163.333
4.083
Total
59
238.983
ns= not significant Coefficient of Variation: 18.40%
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
35
APPENDIX TABLE 5. Maximum flower diameter attained
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
8.1 8.1 8.1 24.3
8.10
T2 7.8
8.2 7.7 23.7 7.90
T3
8.4
8.2 7.2 23.8 7.93
T4
7.7 7.5 7.4 22.6
7.53
T5
7.9 8.1 8.5
24.5
8.17
V2 T1
9.7 9.2 9.2 27.9
9.30
T2
9.9
8.8 8.8 28.1
9.37
T3
9.3 9.0 9.1 27.4
9.13
T4 10.3 9.1
9.0
28.3
9.43
T5
9.6 8.5
9.7
27.8
9.27
V3 T1
7.5
8.1 8.0
24.6
8.20
T2
8.8 7.9 8.8
25.5
8.50
T3
7.7
8.4
8.4 24.5
8.16
T4
8.4
8.6
7.9 24.9
8.17
T5
8.9
8.0
7.8 24.7 8.23
V4 T1
9.1 8.2
9.0
26.3
8.76
T2
8.1 8.7
8.2 25.0
8.33
T3
7.9 9.1
8.1 25.1
8.37
T4
8.7
8.5
7.5 24.7
8.23
T5
8.5
8.7
9.4 26.6
8.87
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
15.950
5.317
24.844** 2.84
4.31
Factor B
4
0.521
0.130
0.61ns
2.61
3.83
AB
12
1.731
0.144
0.67ns
2.00
2.66
Error
40
8.560
0.214
Total
59
26.760
ns=not significant Coefficient of Variation: 5.45%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
36
APPENDIX TABLE 6. Percentage neck bending
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
100 100 100
300
66.67
T2
100
100
100
300 100.00
T4 100
100
100
300 100.00
T5 100
100 -
200 66.67
V2 T1
-
100 -
100 33.33
T2
100 100 100 300 100.00
T3
100 100 100 300 100.00
T4
100 100 100
300 100.00
T5
100 100
100
300 100.00
V3 T1
- 100 100 200
66.67
T2 100 100
100
300 100.00
T3 - -
100
100 33.33
T4
-
-
100
100
33.33
T5
100
100 100 300 100.00
V4 T1 -
100 100
200
66.67
T2 100 100
100
300 100.00
T3
100
100 100 300 100.00
T4 100 100
100 300 100.00
T5
100
100
100
300 100.00
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
9833.333
3277.778
3.2778*
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
12333.333
3083.333
3.0833*
2.61 3.83
AB
12
27666.667
2305.556
2.3056*
2.00 2.66
Error
40
40000.000
1000.000
Total
59
89833.333
*= significant Coefficient of variation: 38.72%
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
37
APPENDIX TABLE 7. Percentage of stem browning
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
50 30 6.9 160 53.33
T2
40 60 6.7 175 58.33
T3
50 50
6.7 180 60.00
T4
50
75
6.7 145 48.33
T5
40 30
6.5 90 30.00
V2 T1 80 45 6.8 225 75.00
T2
60 70 6.7 230 76.67
T3
80 90
6.9 270 90.00
T4
50 80
6.6 230 76.67
T5
50 70 6.8 215 71.67
V3 T1 70 50
6.9 210 70.00
T2 50 100
6.7 190 63.33
T3 50
70
6.7 210 70.00
T4 90 30
6.6 220 73.33
T5 50 50 6.5 200 66.67
V4 T1 75 95 6.9 265 88.33
T2
75 100 6.8 270 90.00
T3
75 100 6.9 275 91.67
T4 100 100
6.8 300 30.00
T5
75
95
6.7 245 81.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
13004.583 4334.861
9.3223** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
1580.833 395.208
0.85ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
1455.833 121.319
0.26ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
18600.000 465.000
Total
59
34641.250
ns=not significant Coefficient of variation: 30.05%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
38
APPENDIX TABLE 8. Flower quality 5 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00 1.00 1.00 3.00
1.00
T4 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
V2 T1
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T3
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T4
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
T5
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
V3 T1
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T4 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
V4 T1
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T2 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T4
1.00
1.00
1.00 3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
39
APPENDIX TABLE 9. Flower quality 10 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T2
1.00
2.00 2.00
5.00 1.67
T3
3.00
3.00
2.00 8.00 2.67
T4
3.00 3.00
2.00
8.00 2.67
T5
3.00
3.00
2.00 8.00 2.67
V2 T1
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T2
3.00
3.00
4.00
9.00
3.00
T3
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T4
3.00
3.00 3.00
9.00 3.00
T5
3.00
3.00
3.00 9.00
3.00
V3 T1
3.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T2
2.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T3
3.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T4
3.00
3.00
2.00
7.00 2.33
T5
3.00 3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
V4 T1
2.00 2.00 2.00 6.00
2.00
T2
2.00 3.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T3
3.00
2.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T4
3.00
2.00
2.00 8.00
2.67
T5
2.00
2.00 2.00
6.00
2.00
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
5.133
1.711
7.8974** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
2.167
0.542
2.50ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
3.033
0.253
1.17ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
8.667
0.217
Total
59
19.00
ns=not significant Coefficient of variation : 18.62%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
40
APPENDX TABLE 10. Flower quality 15 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 3.00 3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T2 2.00 3.00 3.00
8.00
2.67
T3
3.00 3.00
4.00
10.00
3.33
T4
3.00
4.00
3.00
10.00
3.33
T5
4.00
3.00
2.00
9.00
3.00
V2 T1
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
T2
4.00
4.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
T3
4.00
4.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
T4
4.00
4.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
T5
4.00
4.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
V3 T1
4.00
5.00
4.00
13.00
4.33
T2
4.00
5.00 3.00
12.00
4.00
T3
4.00
4.00 3.00
11.00
3.67
T4
4.00
4.00 4.00 12.00 4.00
T5
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
V4 T1
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T2
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T3
4.00
3.00
4.00
11.00
3.67
T4
4.00
3.00
4.00
11.00
3.67
T5
3.00
4.00
3.00
11.00
3.00
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
14.133
4.711
15.7037**
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
0.833
0.208
0.69ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
2.367
0.197
0.66ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
12.000
0.300
Total
59
29.333
ns=not significant Coefficient of variation: 14.94%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
41
APENDIX TABLE 11. Flower quality 20 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
T2
3.00
5.00 4.00 1200
4.67
T3
5.00
5.00
5.00
15.00 5.00
T4
4.00 5.00
5.00 14.00 4.67
T5
5.00 5.00
5.00
13.00
4.33
V2 T1
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T2
5.00
5.00 5.00 15.00
5.00
T3
5.00
5.00
5.00
15.00
5.00
T4
5.00
5.00
5.00
15.00
5.00
T5
5.00
5.00
5.00
15.00
5.00
V3 T1
5.00 5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T2
5.00 5.00
5.00 15.00 5.00
T3
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T4
5.00 5.00
5.00 15.00 5.00
T5
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
V4 T1
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T2
5.00
5.00 5.00 15.00
5.00
T3
5.00 5.00 5.00
15.00
5.00
T4
5.00
5.00
5.00 15.00
5.00
T5
5.00 5.00 5.00
15.00 5.00
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUAR
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
E
Factor A
3
4.050
1.350
10.1250**
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
0.567
0.142
1.06ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
1.700
0.142
1.06ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
5.333
0.133
Total
59
11.650
ns= not significant Coefficient of variation: 7.53%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
42
APPENDIX TABLE 12. Stem quality 5 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2 1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00 1.00 1.00 3.00
1.00
T4 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
V2 T1
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T3
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T4
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00 1.00
T5
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
V3 T1
1.00 1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
T2
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00 1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T4 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
V4 T1
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T2 1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T3
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00 1.00
T4
1.00
1.00
1.00 3.00
1.00
T5
1.00
1.00 1.00
3.00
1.00
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
43
APPENDIX TABLE 13. Stem quality 10 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
2.00 2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T2
2.00 3.00 2.00
7.00
2.33.
T3
2.00 2.00
2.00 6.00 2.00
T4
3.00 2.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T5
2.00 2.00 2.00
6.00
2.00
V2 T1
2.00 2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T2
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T3
3.00 3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T4
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T5
3.00
2.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
V3 T1
2.00
1.00
2.00
5.00
1.67
T2
2.00
2.00
3.00
7.00
2.33
T3
2.00
3.00
3.00
8.00
2.67
T4
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T5
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
V4 T1
2.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T2
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00
2.67
T3
3.00
2.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T4
2.00
3.00
2.00
7.00
2.33
T5
3.00
3.00
2.00
8.00 2.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
2.050
0.683
3.1538*
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
2.067
0.517
2.38ns
2.61 3.83
AB
12
2.200
0.183
0.84ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
8.667
0.217
Total
59
14.983
ns= not significant Coefficient of variation: 20.09%
*= significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
44
APPENDIX TABLE 14. Stem quality after 15 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
2.00
2.00
3.00
7.00
2.33
T2
3.00
4.00
3.00
10.00
3.33.
T3
3.00
4.00
4.00
10.00 3.33
T4
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00 3.00
T5
2.00
3.00
3.00
7.00
2.33
V2 T1
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00 2.00
T2
3.00
3.00
4.00
10.00 3.33
T3
4.00
3.00
4.00 11.00
3.67
T4
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T5
3.00
3.00
3.00 9.00
3.00
V3 T1
2.00
2.00
3.00 7.00
2.33
T2
3.00
3.00
3.00
6.00
2.00
T3
3.00
3.00 3.00
10.00
3.33
T4
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
T5
3.00
3.00
3.00
9.00
3.00
V4 T1
4.00
4.00
2.00
10.00
3.33
T2
4.00
4.00
3.00
11.00
3.67
T3
4.00
3.00
4.00
11.00
3.33
T4
4.00
4.00
3.00
11.00 3.33
T5
4.00
4.00
3.00
11.00
3.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF
MEAN OF
FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
4.400
1.467
5.5000** 2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
7.767
1.942
7.2813
2.61 3.83
AB
12
2.100
0.175
0.66ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
10.667
0.267
Total
59
24.933
ns=not significant Coefficient of variation: 16.48%
**= highly significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
45
APPENDIX TABLE 15. Stem quality 20 days from immersion
TREATMENT REPLICATION TOTAL MEAN
I II III
V1 T2
3.00
2.00
4.00
9.00
3.00
T2
4.00
5.00
4.00
14.00 4.67.
T3
4.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
4.67
T4
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00 4.00
T5
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
V2 T1
2.00
2.00
2.00
6.00
2.00
T2
3.00
4.00
4.00
11.00
3.67
T3
5.00
4.00
4.00
14.00 4.67
T4
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
T5
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
V3 T1
3.00
2.00
4.00
9.00
3.00
T2
4.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
4.00
T3
4.00
4.00 5.00
13.00
4.33
T4
4.00
4.00 4.00
12.00
3.00
T5
4.00
4.00
3.00
11.00
3.67
V4 T1
5.00
5.00
3.00
13.00
4.33
T2
5.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
3.67
T3
5.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
3.67
T4
5.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
3.67
T5
5.00
5.00
4.00
14.00
3.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION
SOURCE OF
D
EGREES OF SUM OF MEAN OF FCom
Ft
VARIANCE FREEDOM
SQUARE SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Factor A
3
7.733
2.578
7.7333**
2.84 4.31
Factor B
4
13.833
3.458
10.3750**
2.61 3.83
AB
12
5.100
0.425
1.28ns
2.00 2.66
Error
40
13.333
0.333
Total
59
40.000
**= highly significant Coefficient of variation: 14.43%
ns= not significant
Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varieties of Gerbera as Affected by
Different Holding Solutions / Sonia O. Del-isen. 2010
Document Outline
- Postharvest Characteristics of Four Varietiesof Gerbera as Affected by Different Holding Solutions
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- The Crop
- Floral Preservatives
- Holding Solution
- Water pH
- Vaselife and Longevity of Cutflowers
- Senescence
- MATERIALS AND METHODS
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- Vaselife of cutflowers as affectedby different holding solutions
- Initial and Final pH of the Holding Solution
- Volume of Solution Taken � up.
- Number of Days to 100% Anthesis
- Maximum Flower Diameter Attained
- Percentage Neck Bending
- Percentage Stem Browning
- Flower Quality
- Stem Quality
- Daily Temperature of the Holding Room
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Summary
- Conclusions
- Recommendations
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES