Normal and modified atmosphere packaging storage of lisianthus (Lisianthus grandiflorum) grown in saline conditions

Abstract

In this study, sodium chloride (NaCl) (0, 2. 4, and 8 dS m(-1)) was applied to 'Pure White' and 'Pink Picotee' lisianthus (Lisianthus grandiflorum) at two different stages (vegetative and generative) with drip irrigation. The flowers subjected to NaCl were stored under normal atmosphere (NA) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions with 5 +/- 0.5 degrees C and 80 +/- 5% relative humidity (RH). At the end of the study, the best results for the quality criteria determined in the research were obtained from the 4 dS m(-1) treatment under NA and the 2 dS m(-1) treatment under MAP in 'Pure White'. Considering the same quality criteria, the 2 dS m(-1) treatment gave the best result in 'Pink Picotee' at the end of NA, whereas 4 dS m(-1) treatment was found more effective compared with the other treatments in MAP. Moreover, it was determined that the flowers of 'Pure White' could be stored successfully for 2-3 weeks in NA and 5 weeks in MAP, whereas the flowers of 'Pink Picotee' could be stored successfully for 2 weeks in NA and 3-4 weeks in MAP.