Investigation of natural phytochemical-based preservatives as environmentally sustainable alternatives for extending vase life and postharvest quality of Gladiolus grandifloras L.

The experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, to evaluate the efficacy of selected plant extracts as eco-friendly floral preservatives for enhancing the postharvest vase life of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. Seven plant extracts were tested as treatments: T₀ (Control – tap water), T₁ (Aloe vera), T₂ (Allium tuberosum – nira), T₃ (Justicia adhatoda – basok), T₄ (Mentha piperita – mint), T₅ (Moringa oleifera – sajna), T₆ (Calotropis procera – akando), and T₇ (Borago officinalis – oregano). The results revealed significant differences among treatments in terms of fresh weight retention, floret opening, and delayed senescence. Aloe vera extract (T₁) exhibited the best performance by maintaining the highest fresh weight (27.0 g on 7th day), maximum number of open florets, and delayed wilting, indicating enhanced water uptake and antimicrobial properties. Allium tuberosum extract (T₂) also showed promising results with extended freshness and improved floret opening. Conversely, Mentha piperita (T₄) and Borago officinalis (T₇) exhibited poor performance with early senescence and reduced water balance. Overall, Aloe vera and Allium tuberosum extracts were identified as the most effective natural preservatives, suggesting their potential as sustainable, low-cost alternatives to synthetic floral preservatives for extending vase life and minimizing environmental impact.