Identification of a harvest index for Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron sp. Xantal leaves for ornamental use
Leaves of tropical ornamental plants exhibit a short vase life.
Symptoms include yellowing and disease.
These defects are associated with genetic and environmental factors but mainly associated with leaf age at harvest.
Our research aimed to identify a harvest index to improve postharvest quality and extend vase life. Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron sp. Xantal plants were grown under 70% permanent shading.
Fifty young leaves of M. deliciosa and 25 leaves of Philodendron were tagged prior to expansion.
Weekly measurements included foliar area, dry weight, color (CIE L*a*b* values, and indirect chlorophyll content (SPAD). Data were plotted against leaf age after full expansion and regression analysis was performed.
In a second experiment, leaves of Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron sp. Xantal were harvested at four developmental stages, commercially packed, and subjected to simulated shipping conditions.
During vase life at 20°C with 12 h of daylight, the incidence and severity of leaf yellowing, and the incidence of mechanical damage and disease were evaluated with rating scales.
SPAD value was highly correlated with leaf age (R2=0.787 for Monstera and R2=0.791 for Philodendron). In the commercial simulation trial, mature leaves (64 d after leaf expansion and with the highest SPAD value) showed less incidence of yellowing, disease, and mechanical damage during vase life.
Chlorophyll content, measured as SPAD value, was a suitable harvest index and predictor of vase life.
Guillén-Carvajal, M.J., Ramírez-Sánchez, M., Sáenz-Murillo, M.V. and Gutiérrez-Soto, M.V. (2022). Identification of a harvest index for Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron sp. Xantal leaves for ornamental use. Acta Hortic. 1340, 235-240
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2022.1340.37
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2022.1340.37
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2022.1340.37
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2022.1340.37
foliage, leaf age, leaf development, leaf senescence, vase life, yellowing
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