Maintainance of Quality and Extending the Vase Life of Cut Rose Flower  Grand Prix through Modified Atmospheric Packaging

Respiration is one of the important factors to be considered in a determination of the quality of cut flowers during their postharvest preservation period. Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) is an effective way of reducing respiration rate along with increasing vase life while the quality of cut flowers also well maintained. This research was conducted on the basis of a factorial experiment, using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) of 3 replications on cut rose flower ‘Grand Prix’. Before the start of the treatments, the flowers were covered by polyethylene coverings. Treatments included four sampling times: T1 (4), T2 (7), T3 (11) and T4 (14) day periods, plus three gas combinations of: G2 (with no gas injection), G3 (5%O2+3% CO2 + 92% N2), G4 (5%O2+ 95%N2), and G1 as control. Following storage at 4 ± 1?C and 60% of RH., ethylene rate, CO2 and O2 concentrations inside the package, flower diameter, flower weight loss,? Brix and vase life were assessed. According to the obtained results, the lowest ethylene and highest level of soluble solids were observed in T1G2 and G4 treatments, respectively. Minimum flower diameters were observed in packages of G2, G3 and G4 gas combinations as compared with control. The concentration of O2 inside the packages decreased while CO2 level being increased with no decrease, in the meantime, being observed in flower weights. Maximum vase life (11 days) of cut rose flower ‘Grand Prix’ was obtained through G3 treatment.