Evaluation of postharvest storage and treatments in cut ruscus foliage

Danae racemosa (L.) Moench is an important cut foliage in the ornamental market. During postharvest, leaf senescence symptoms are leaf yellowing, weight loss and/or abscission of leaves. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of pre-treatments for 24 h with glycerol and Thidiazuron (TDZ) on Danae vase life before and after storage. Treatments were applied in vase water containing glycerol 0.1, 1 or 10 mM, 10 μM TDZ and a combined treatment of 10 μM TDZ plus 10 mM glycerol. The effect of treatments was evaluated through the determination of vase life, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, sucrose and total sugars content. The cut foliage were stored in sealed plastic bags and placed in a dark room at 4°C for two months. The vase life, before and after storage, was determined in a controlled chamber set to 20°C and RH 50-60% with a light intensity of 20 μmol m-2 s-1. Results demonstrated that 10 μM TDZ plus 10 mM glycerol was the most effective treatment in maintaining quality during vase life of stored and not stored cut foliage.