Influence of Sucrose and Antioxidant Preservatives on Postharvest Vase Life, Water Relations, and Quality of Gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata L.) cv. Star World under Ambient Conditions

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sucrose and antioxidant-based vase solutions on postharvest longevity and water relations of Gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata L.) cv. Star World under ambient conditions (25 ± 2°C; 40-50% RH). Fourteen postharvest treatments, including sucrose (2%), ascorbic acid (100 and 200 ppm), potassium metabisulphite (100 and 200 ppm), calcium chloride (25 and 50 ppm), and their combinations, were evaluated in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Significant differences were observed among treatments for water uptake (WU), transpirational loss of water (TLW), optical density of vase solution (ODVS) and relative water content (RWC), and vase life. The combination T11 (Sucrose 2% + KMS 200 ppm) recorded the highest mean water uptake (31.42 g flower⁻¹), maximum TLW (35.02 g flower⁻¹), lowest ODVS (0.044), highest RWC (103.14%), and maximum vase life (16.83 days), followed by T10 (Sucrose 2% + KMS 100 ppm) and T9 (Sucrose 2% + AA 200 ppm). The control treatment exhibited the lowest values for all measured parameters and the shortest vase life (8.83 days). Results indicate that sucrose combined with potassium metabisulphite or ascorbic acid is highly effective in maintaining solution clarity, enhancing water relations, reducing senescence, and extending longevity. The study demonstrates that carbohydrate antioxidant synergy is vital for improving postharvest quality of Gypsophila under ambient storage conditions.