Interactive effects of pre-harvest foliar sprays and packaging materials on xanthophyll retention in marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda

This study evaluated the effects of pre-harvest foliar sprays and different packaging materials on the xanthophyll content of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flowers during postharvest storage at 10 °C. Flowers from the selected pre-harvest foliar spray treatments (based on superior growth and yield performance) viz., salicylic acid (200 ppm), calcium nitrate (2%), calcium chloride (2%), along with an untreated control were packaged in Leno bags (onion mesh bags) and polyethylene bags with varying levels of ventilation (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) and assessed for changes in xanthophyll content throughout the storage period at 10 °C. The results revealed that the pre-harvest application of calcium nitrate at 2%, in combination with polyethylene packaging without ventilation (0%), was most effective in preserving xanthophyll content during storage. These findings indicate that the integration of appropriate pre-harvest foliar nutrition with optimal postharvest packaging significantly enhances pigment retention of marigold flowers during storage.