Postharvest quality of red gerberas depending on the storage temperature

This study aimed to verify the best storage temperature in the postharvest quality conservation of inflorescences of gerberas cv. 'Intenza'. Inflorescences were kept in distilled water and stored at the temperatures of 22 degrees C (control); 12 degrees C; 8 degrees C and 4 degrees C. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in split plot with two factors: 4 treatments (temperatures) X 4 evaluation dates (0, 3, 6 and 9 days). It was used three replicates, with three inflorescences each. It were evaluated the variation of fresh mass, relative water content, soluble and reducing sugars content and longevity. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey test at 5% of probability. The inflorescences of gerbera maintained at 4 degrees C, 8 degrees C and 12 degrees C showed a greater postharvest life compared with the inflorescences of the control, highlighting those kept at 4 degrees C which presented less loss of mass and higher soluble sugar content; thus, maintaining the quality of gerberas for a longer period, with vase life of approximately 15 days.