Effect of different polymeric films on modified atmosphere storage of gladiolus cut spikes

Studies were conducted on the relative efficacy of different polymeric film sleeves on MA (modified atmosphere) storage of gladiolus spikes, harvested at two distinct stages of floret development i.e., S₁ - when -basal 1–2 florets showed colour and S₂-when 5–7 florets showed colour. Polymeric sleeves exerted varying effects on keeping quality of spikes. S₁-spikes exhibited less vase life than S₂-spikes. Vase life was minimum in high density polyethylene sleeves and maximum in polypropylene (PP)-100 followed by (PP)-200 gauge sleeves. Florets on S₁-spikes did not exhibit opening after 21 d of storage, whereas on S₂-spikes, the florets lost the ability to open after 28 d of storage, in all the sleeves. Polymeric film sleeves did not appear to significantly affect floret size during storage though the size tended to decrease slightly with increase in storage duration. The spikes stored in PP-100 and 200 gauge sleeves also showed higher number of florets opening at one time and per-cent opening of florets, which continued to decrease with increase in storage duration. PP-100 gauge sleeves were found most suitable for modified atmosphere storage of gladiolus cut spikes.