Good results with deionized water in the postharvest life of two gingers

Inflorescences of two tropical gingers with cut flower potential were harvested from plants growing at the Lyon Arboretum of the University of Hawaii. Zingiber spectabile inflorescences lasted longer if the inflorescence had achieved close to full elongation. In comparisons of stems held in deionized water versus a 24 hr pulse in 3% sucrose or holding in 200 ppm GA4+7, the inflorescences in deionized water were in good condition for 11 days after harvest and bract edge drying was evident by the 14th day. Bract edge drying began 8 days after harvest for the inflorescences pulsed in 3% surcrose and all were discarded by the 11th day. Half of the inflorescences treated with GA4+7 were discarded by day 8. Etlingera corneri inflorescences held in deionized water were in good condition for almost 12 days if harvested when the bracts had reflexed enough for the true flowers to show while less mature inflorescences lasted two days less. Inflorescences dipped in 200 ppm N-6-benzylamino purine (BA) or a commercial growth regulator consisting of 200 ppm each of GA4+7 and N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-purine-6-amine (PMA) lasted slightly longer (13 and 14.5 days, respectively) than the deionized water control. Daily application of sprays of water or 200 ppm BA showed a clear benefit of the BA treatment, although the inflorescences used in this last experiment were aging and keeping life was shorter than in earlier experiments. As with many gingers, cleaning to remove insects and debris is a necessary, but time-consuming step that can also damage the inflorescences. The postharvest life of both gingers with or without the cytokinin of GA4+7 treatments is sufficient to consider them for export if damage to the bracts can be avoided during handling and shipping. Original tittle and source:Postharvest Life of Inflorescences of Zingiber spectabile and Etlingera corneriCriley, R. A.University of Hawaii, 3190 Maile Way, Rm 102, Dept. Tropical Plant & Soil Sciences, 96822-2279, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States International Horticulture Congress, Lisboa 2010, ISHS, http://www.ishs.org The picture is an Etlingera by flicks.com ? ?