Foliage preservatives for vase life extension of two <i>Dieffenbachia</i> species

Cut foliage of Dieffenbachia maculata and Dieffenbachia amoena were subjected to continuous treatment with several foliage preservatives and export simulation. The preservatives used were 1.75% of sodium hypochlorite, 5% vinegar and Vim™ dish washing detergent. Tap water without any added chemicals was used as the control. The highest vase life of 45.1 days was observed in D. maculata cut foliage when subjected to continuous treatment with tap water. Cut foliage of D. maculata subjected to continuous treatment with 0.016% (v/v) dish washing detergent (Vim™) solution and 0.016% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and subjected to export simulation for two days at 12-14° C and 85-90% relative humidity (RH), had relatively longer vase life of 38.9 days and 37 days respectively. Cut foliage of D. amoena had the longest vase life of 21 days when subjected to 0.016% NaOCl treatment and export simulation. NaOCl which is considered as a biocide and mild vinegar solution which is acidic inhibited the bacterial growth in vase solutions increasing the vase life of cut foliage. A Bacillus sp. and a Staphylococcus sp. were associated with vase solutions of D. maculata and D. amoena cut foliage. Treatment with NaOCl and Vim™ satisfactorily extended the vase life of cut foliage of D. amoena and D. maculata respectively and could be recommended as preservatives for use during export. Key words : cut foliage; export; sodium hypochlorite; vinegar; bacteria DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i2.2999 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 39 (2): 129-136, 2010