Optimization of harvest stage and improvement in the postharvest life of orchid (Dendrobium) cut spikes with vase solution treatments

An investigation was carried out on Dendrobium cut spikes var. Sonia17 to determine optimum harvest stage and vase solution for improving quality and vase life. Harvest stages significantly influenced post harvest life and quality of cut spikes, wherein, 75% open flower per spike recorded maximum water uptake, retained higher fresh weight, showed maximum number of opened buds per spike at a time (8.60) and good flower quality along with longer vase life (17.10 days). Treatment with8-Hydroxy Quinoline Citrate 300 mg/l + Sucrose 3% was found most suitable for maintaining water uptake and retaining of fresh weight with higher percentage of bud opening per spike. The same treatment further showed higher level of TSS in the petal tissue along with high Membrane stability index (MSI), that significantly enhanced vase life by eight days as compared to control.