Effect of coconut water and Moringa oleifera leaf extract as holding solutions on antioxidant activity and vase life of Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) cv. White Prosperity”

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of environmentally friendly preservative solutions, based on coconut water (CW) and Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE), as potential alternatives to synthetic chemicals for improving the postharvest quality and vase life of gladiolus cut spikes. Methodology: A total of nine treatments containing different concentrations of coconut water (CW) and Moringa olifera leaf (MLE) extract were evaluated for postharvest quality of gladiolus under CRD design and replicated thrice. Various characteristics of postharvest quality and antioxidant activities were measured as per standard methods and statistically analyzed. Results: Spikes held in T3 (75% CW) exhibited superior performance in the majority of postharvest quality characteristics, including fresh weight-1 retention, water uptake, solution uptake, and related traits. In contrast, T7 (6 g l MLE) recorded the longest vase life at room temperature, despite not outperforming T3 in most other parameters. Interpretation: When spikes were treated with 75% CW, gladiolus's postharvest characteristics and antioxidant enzyme activities were optimized. In-1 terms of MLE, spikes held in a solution containing 6 g l of MLE can improve the biochemical performance of gladiolus flowers, resulting in longer-lasting and higher-quality blooms for sustainable floriculture.