Response of antibiotics on post-harvest parameters of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) cut flowers

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of various antibiotic treatments on post-harvest parameters of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) cut flowers. Physiological weight loss, water loss, flower diameter, stalk thickness, days taken to deterioration, vase life, scape bending, longevity, and microbial count were evaluated to assess the efficacy of different antibiotics. Treatment T2, featuring ampicillin at 200 ppm, consistently exhibited favourable outcomes across multiple parameters. The results demonstrated the lowest physiological weight loss, highest flower diameter, maximum stalk thickness, longest days to deterioration, extended vase life, minimal scape bending, longest longevity, and lowest microbial count. These findings underscored the effectiveness of ampicillin 200 ppm in preserving post-harvest quality and reducing microbial contamination of gerbera cut flowers.