Abstract
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.), a high temperature tolerant geophyte is being successfully grown with minimal care, which makes it the only choice for the cut flower growers during summer season in Punjab, Pakistan. Currently growers, retailers and consumers hold their cut tuberose spikes in tap water. However, presence of salts in tap water poses threat to cut
spikes and may shorten their postharvest longevity. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of water collected
from various sources on postharvest longevity and keeping quality of cut tuberose spikes. The results demonstrated that
spikes kept in carbonated plus distilled water (1:1) had longest vase life, with highest water uptake, and relative fresh weight. Moreover, it delayed floret opening time, increased open florets percentage and produced superior quality spikes as
compared to other water sources. Spikes kept in distilled, deionized and reverse osmosis water also extended postharvest
longevity of cut tuberose spikes. On the other hand, canal water or tap water available in local markets found unfit for
handling cut tuberose spikes as these reduced vase life. Therefore, it is recommended that carbonated plus distilled water
(1:1), distilled, deionized or reverse osmosis water should be used by the stakeholders instead of tap or canal water for
extending vase life and maintaining quality of cut tuberose spikes.
