Post production technologies and handling of potted chrysanthemum and mussaenda

The utilization of potted flowering plants for interior decoration continue to increase. The quality and longevity of plants depend not only on the growing conditions but also on the postproduction handling procedures employed. In this study, postproduction technologies were established for potted chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora), the most popular year-round flowering plant and, Mussaenda, many species of which is endemic to the Philippines. The project focused on determining the light levels and duration for acclimatization, establishment of optimum storage and transport temperature, 1-MCP treatment and, packaging. Maximum decorative life of potted chrysanthemum (cvs Sunset and Sunset Lady) for indoor and outdoor utilization was obtained when acclimatized in 30% shade for 2 weeks. This condition also ensured full opening of the flowers. Acclimatizing at this level for shorter duration (1 week) resulted in the failure of the flowers to open fully. Exposure to direct sunlight resulted in flowers opening fully but the decorative life was the shortest among the treatments. Acclimatization of 4-week old Doña Hilaria for 1 week and, 3-week old for 2 weeks at 30% shade increased the decorative life by a week or more, depending on the indoor temperature. Likewise, Doña Aurora could be kept longer when acclimatized at 30% shade for 1 week. Acclimatized Doña Aurora plants however, did not survive when transported without sleeves under darkness at low temperatures (5 deg C and 13 deg C) as they developed chilling injury. Transport at 22 deg C resulted in the survival of the acclimatized plants. Doña Hilaria sleeved with polypropylene and packed in carton box can be stored or transported for 3-5 days at 15 deg C without developing chilling injury. Maximum decorative life of 'Sunset Lady' utilized indoor (without airconditioning) was obtained at transport or storage temperature of 15 deg C although it can be stored or transported at 8 deg C without significant effect on its decorative life. The results of this study showed that the quality and longevity of flowering potted plants can be enhanced by acclimatization at optimum light level, use of plastic sleeves before packaging and storage at the recommended temperature.