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Harvest stage and storage effects on postharvest quality and vase life of Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota L.)

ABSTRACT Market sales of specialty cut flowers (SCF) have increased in recent years. SCF increase the variety of floricultural products to help establish new trends for the floriculture industry. The longevity of Daucus carota L. ranged between 13.2 and 13.8 days when harvested at 40–70% open flowers (i.e. Stage III) or full maturity of 70-100% open flowers (i.e. Stage IV), respectively. Respiration rates (RR) followed a gradual decline from 30.3 mL CO2/100 g FW/h on day-0 to 12.5 mL CO2/100 g FW/h on day-9. Colour changes at different harvest stages were associated with flower opening and flower senescence. Colour difference of Stage I inflorescences, was significantly (P < 0.05) lower (e.g. 8.4) compared to Stages II, III and IV (e.g. 19.8, 25.7 and 28.7, respectively). Short-term storage at 1, 3 or 6°C for 7 days did not affect VL of the inflorescences, which maintained their fresh weight (FW) above initial values for almost 14 days. However, long-term storage for 14 or 21 days at 1, 3 or 6°C resulted in sharp FW reduction and abrupt decreases in Fv/Fm values, which may justify chilling injury and quality loss.