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- Author or Editor: H. Barrett x
- Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science x
Abstract
Leatherleaf fern [Rumohra adiantiformis (G. Forst) Ching] fronds became desiccated rapidly after harvest with water potential decreasing from -0.45 to -1.75 MPa within 30 minutes. Partial closing of stomates 30 minutes after harvest accounted for a decrease in the rate of frond desiccation and frond water potential was -2.26 MPa after 180 minutes. Postharvest frond desiccation to water potentials of -1, -2, and -3 MPa in the field prior to water dip and cold storage resulted in frond curl of 32, 56, and 84%, respectively, when placed in postharvest rooms. Water uptake decreased during the first 4 days in postharvest rooms. Declining frond water potentials suggested reduced rate of water uptake was due to blockage of the xylem. However, no obstructions were observed at cut end of stipe from fern with frond curl or those not exhibiting frond curl. Frond water potentials were lower one hour after harvest than when undergoing normal postharvest senescence. Fronds did not exhibit normal drought-imposed wilt or frond curl during prestorage stress. Desiccation resulted in frond curl in some experiments but had little effect in others. These results indicate that frond curl can be triggered by desiccation stress but other factors are predisposing fronds to this disorder.