Estimation of cut foliage vase life through the measurement of leaf functionality

The cut foliage commercialization has been increasing due to its use as ornamental item. The quality and value of cut foliage can be affected by postharvest management. Leaf senescence can reduce the vase life and decrease foliage market value. Cut ruscus (Danae racemosa) branches are characterized by a long vase life that can be exploited for the export to long distance markets. Moreover, after harvest, this species can be stored for long periods, up to two months, maintaining an acceptable vase life. Nevertheless, the storage period and temperature affect the quality and the vase life of cut branches. Along the distribution chain, reliable traceability systems are needed, to predict the expected vase life of cut foliage. Chlorophyll a fluorescence has been used for quality evaluation of leafy vegetables during and after storage (Ferrante and Maggiore, 2007) and the same technique could be successfully adopted for monitoring the storage and vase life of cut foliage. The aim of this work was to develop a model of prediction for the estimation of ruscus foliage vase life based on in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence measurement.