Studies on cultivar response in relation to refrigerated storage of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus Andrea) spikes

Spikes of five cultivars of gladiolus viz. Jacksonville Gold, White Prosperity, Sancerre, Nova Lux and Praha were harvested at three stages of floret development viz. S1- tight bud stage (when 1–2 basal florets showed color), S2-when 5–6 florets showed color and S3- when basal floret was half open and subjected to refrigerated storage at 4±0.5°C for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days. Days to the opening of basal floret, vase life and per cent opening of florets on the spike exhibited decrease with increase in the duration of storage. Spikes harvested at S1 took maximum days for the opening of basal florets which decreased with advancement in the stage of harvest of the spikes. The spikes harvested at S2 and S3 were found suitable for storage due to their long post-storage vase life and opening of florets. In case of spikes harvested at S2, the florets remained in an unopened condition for up to 9 to 15 days of storage depending upon the cultivar and were hence, suitable for transit. The spikes harvested at S3, however, exhibited an early opening of the basal floret i.e. after 3 to 6 days of storage and hence, could only be used for local marketing as open florets on the spike are prone to damage during transport. The spikes harvested at S1 exhibited low levels of total as well as reducing sugar content in the tepals. Total soluble as well as reducing sugar contents were higher in tepals from florets of the spikes harvested at S2 and S3.