Influence of storage conditions and chemical treatments on the shelf life of Jasminum multiflorum (Pink Kakada)

Abstract

Jasminum multiflorum is commonly known as Indian jasmine, winter jasmine, star jasmine and downy jasmine. It is mostly grown in tropical and subtropical regions being native to India and Southeast Asia. It is a fast-growing perennial flowering plant with characteristic colourful buds and fragrant flowers making this species used for garden purposes or loose flower production. It profusely produces flowers with good quality even during the winter months because of its year-round flowering habit. Postharvest quality of flowers is directly linked to environmental conditions, time of harvesting, handling and packaging. Chemical treatment is one way to extend the postharvest life of flowers. These chemical treatments preserve the freshness of the flowers rather than improving their quality, depending on the chemical's efficacy and the type of bloom. Low-temperature storage is an important method for the preservation of flowers after harvest without loss of their quality and is used for long-distance transportation. Flowers harvested at an optimal stage of development may be treated with appropriate floral preservatives, packed and transported under low-temperature conditions. Low-temperature treatment during transit reduces the metabolism in the tissues, slows down respiration, transpiration, ethylene evolution and also retards the multiplication of bacteria and fungi (Doom and Woltering 1991). Hence, the investigation was carried out to study the influence of storage conditions and chemical treatments on the shelf life of Pink Kakada.