Maturity at harvest affects postharvest longevity of cut Calathea foliage

Abstract

Foliage of Calathea aemula, C. lietzei and C. zebrina at four maturity stages, first, second, third and fourth fully expanded leaves (FEL) from the shoot apex, were subjected to vase life assessment in distilled water at 20°C and 70% RH. Leaf rolling was the factor leading to vase life termination. Chlorophyll content significantly decreased during vase life in all three species. The best harvesting maturity in relation to vase life varied among the species. At the time of harvest, chlorophyll content of the 1st FEL were significantly less than those of the 4th FEL in all three species. However, the chlorophyll content at harvest did not show a significant correlation with subsequent Calathea vase life.

Key words: chlorophyll; vase life; leaf rolling

DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1856

Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (2): 35-38, 2009