Introduction:

‘Perla’ and ‘Mexicano’ are varieties of tuberose grown in Mexico that have potential for commercialization and export; however, no preservative solutions have been evaluated to increase their shelf life.

Objective:

To determine physical, physiological, and chemical changes that occur in postharvest tuberose when different preservative solutions are applied.

Methodology:

Tuberose flower spikes of varieties ‘Mexicano’ and Perla, with two open basal flowers, were placed in preservative solutions (Crystal®, sucrose [Sac] + citric acid [CA] + hydroxyquinoline citrate [HQC] and ascorbic acid [AAsc]). A group of tuberose flower spikes was kept as control, and in all cases destructive and non-destructive variables were evaluated during postharvest.

Results:

Relative fresh weight and water consumption increased with preservative solutions in both varieties. The appearance of the ‘Perla’ variety was excellent for 5 days with Crystal®. The ‘Mexicano’ variety had more open flowers with Crystal® and Sac + AC + HQC, while the ‘Perla’ variety had the same result with AAsc and Crystal®. Respiration in the ‘Mexicano’ variety was high with Sac + AC + HQC, and in the case of ‘Perla’ variety, respiration was low with AAsc. The highest specific superoxide dismutase activity was detected with AAsc and Crystal® for ‘Perla’ variety.

Study limitations:

The results are valid without previous applications of pulse or hydrating solutions in tuberose varieties evaluated.

Originality:

This is the first study where the postharvest behavior of two Mexican tuberose varieties is evaluated in preservative solutions.

Conclusions:

‘Mexicano’ and ‘Perla’ varieties can use Crystal® and AAsc solutions to maintain the quality for longer time in vase.