Information on post harvest conservation of calla lily is rare despite its commercial importance. This study was aimed at testing different conditioning solutions in order to increase inflorescence durability. The maintenance of calla lily stems on sodium hypochlorite (2%), citric acid (200mg L-1) and calcium chlorate (1000mg L-1) solutions was evaluated. The influence of a stem pre-storage immersion in Hidrosan® solution, as well as its use as a conditioning solution during storage in cold chamber was also evaluated. Inflorescences were daily evaluated for durability using an established classification criteria (classes A1, A2, B and C) and measurements of spathe length and width. Inflorescences treated with Hidrosan® or the maintenance of stems in this product or in any of the tested solutions showed no effect on calla lily’s inflorescences durability which presented a total longevity of eleven days. The different conditioning solutions evaluated had no effect on spathe length and width. Regardless the conditioning solutions, spathe width and length increased until the 7th and 8th days, respectively. Increase in spathe dimension characterizes the opening process and its reduction indicates senescence by wilting.
Zantedeschia aethiopica; durability; storage
