Improving Alstroemeria Cut Flower Shelf Life: The Impact of Different Light Sources on Postharvest Quality and Metabolism

Alstroemeria cut flowers are known for their good vase life. However, leaf yellowing is often cited as a sign of early senescence, along with tepal abscission, which limits their post-harvest performance. While cold storage can reduce postharvest problems, this cannot always be guaranteed throughout the marketing chain. As a result, several chemical postharvest alternatives have been tested, but they have some limitations. Therefore, researchers are exploring the use of light sources as an effective solution. In a recent study, researchers tested the effect of two types of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The first was tested on cut alstroemeria stored at room temperature (20?C) and the second on cut alstroemeria stored at refrigerated temperature (5?C). The two types of LED lights used were white (broad spectrum) and red-blue (40:60, 630 + 465 nm). The main goal was to investigate the effect of light quality on post-harvest flower quality and vase life. The researchers observed that the light-treated flower stems had higher water consumption throughout storage compared to the control samples stored in the dark. However, there was no change in stem diameter. The Tepal area increased with light at both storage temperatures. Leaf color remained like that at harvest in the light-treated flower stems, while there was strong yellowing in the control samples stored in the dark. Anthocyanins increased in flowers stored under white light, although this was more evident at room temperature. White light treatment slowed chlorophyll degradation and increased sugar content in leaves and tepals by 3.4 and 1.8 times at 20?C and by 6 and 2.9 times at 5?C. The increase in sugar levels in light-treated flowers may have caused tepal expansion, but it also delayed the onset of leaf senescence and, consequently, tepal abscission. The researchers found that white light was the most effective storage condition not only to extend the shelf life of cut Alstroemeria but also to improve the post-harvest flower quality, both at room temperature and under refrigeration. In conclusion, this study contributes to the ongoing research on the effect of light quality on post-harvest flower quality and vase life. It provides evidence that light can improve the quality and extend the vase life of cut alstroemeria, which is desirable to florists and consumers. The results also suggest that white light is the most effective storage condition to improve the post-harvest flower quality and vase life of cut Alstroemeria. This research provides a sustainable and practical solution for florists and consumers to preserve the quality of cut Alstroemeria flowers, especially when cold storage is not available or practical. Source: Pintos, F., Nico, A., Rodoni, L., Cieza, R., & Hasperu?, J. (2023). Postharvest illumination of alstroemeria: Effect of light quality on flower metabolism and shelf life. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 201, 112346. Author:?Jorge Luis?Alonso G. (with ChatGPT)?Maximizing Agribusiness Profits with Expert Postharvest Storage Strategies | Horticultural Writing Specialist.?This article was written exclusively for the business platform Postharvest. ?Image by?Marjon Besteman?from?Pixabay?