Optimal storage protocols for cut Narcissus tazetta and Polianthes tuberosa stems

Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) and tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) are commercially important cut flowers being grown in various countries, but their postharvest handling procedures need to be optimized to preserve quality and extend vase life. Effect of storage method (wet vs. dry) and durations were compared to improve the postharvest performance of cut narcissus and tuberose stems. Increasing storage duration reduced vase life, but more rapidly for stems stored dry compared to wet storage for both tested species. Narcissus stems last 1.4 d longer when stored in buckets containing water, while tuberose spikes lasted 1.2 d longer than dry-stored stems. Moreover, as storage duration increased from 0 to 6 d for narcissus and to 12 d for tuberose vase life gradually decreased. Narcissus stems stored up to 2 days at 3 ± 1 °C had a similar vase life to unstored stems, while storage duration of 4 or 6 days reduced vase life by 1.2 or 1.5 d, respectively. For tuberose, vase life decreased by 0.7 days when stored for 3 days to 2.1 d when stems were stored for 12 d. Water uptake also gradually decreased with increase in storage duration. In summary, storage in water may be used for short durations for holding cut stems of narcissus and tuberose.