Influence of pulsing and dry cool storage on cut spikes of tuberose cv. 'Double'.

A study was conducted to find out the effect of three pulsing chemicals and two durations of dry cool storage, on cut spikes of tuberose cv. ‘Double’. The pulsing and cool storage improved the postharvest life and quality of tuberose cut flowers. Among the different chemicals tried, pulsing with sucrose (10%) + Al2 (SO4)3 (250 ppm) for 12 hours and cut spikes stored for 4 days was found to be the best in respect to rachis length, delay in wilting of first, third and last opened floret pair, extension of useful life, retention of fragrance, water uptake, opening of florets, increase in diameter and length of first, third and last opened floret pair and vase life over the cut spikes which were not pulsed but dry cool stored as well as cut spikes neither pulsed nor stored. The maximum vase life of 8.90 days for 4 days storage was recorded with treatment of sucrose (10%) + aluminium sulphate (250 ppm) treatment.