Effects of Storage Temperature and Pulsing Treatment of Ethanol on Quality and Postharvest Storage Life of Two Cultivars of Gladiolus grandiflorus (cvs.  Ruse Supreme and  White Prosperity')

In this experiment, the effects of storage temperature and pulsing treatment of ethanol on quality and postharvest storage life of Gladiolus grandiflorus cvs. ‘Ruse Supreme’ and ‘White Prosperity’ were studied. Effects of treatments on vase life, flower diameter, opening flower percentage, rate of flower opening, fresh weight, water absorption and apparent quality of cut flowers were investigated. The results showed that vase life of cut flowers of both cultivars increased at 2 and 4˚C compared to 25˚C. Flowers of both cultivars treated by 2% and 4% of ethanol, stored in 2, 4 and 25˚C showed significant increase in vase life, flower diameter and number of florets. The best apparent quality observed in flowers stored at 4˚C. The quality of flowers stored at 2˚C decreased due to chilling injury but improved with application of 2% of ethanol.