Optimizing Plant Density, Planting Depth and Postharvest Preservatives for Lilium longifolium

A study was conducted to standardize production and postharvest handling of lily (Lilium longifolium L. cv. Mero Star). In production trial, three plant densities viz.10, 20 and 30 cm between plants in 60 cm spaced rows and two planting depths viz.7.5 and 15 cm were compared. Increased plant growth, yield and quality was recorded when plants were grown at a close spacing of 10 cm with 15 cm planting depth. In postharvest experiment, holding preservative solutions revealed significant superiority of cobalt chloride@ 5´10-4 M with longer vase life (9.0 Days), higher relative fresh weight (98.0%) and higher vase solution uptake rate (0.25 g g-1 IFW). However, for pulsing solutions, longer vase life (8.0 days) and higher relative fresh weight (93.0%) was recorded with 500 mg L-1 8-hydroquinoline sulphate (8-HQS) while higher vase solution uptake rate (0.28 g g-1 IFW) for 200 mg L-1 8-HQS. For lilium production, higher plant density with deeper bulb planting proved better and pulsing with 8-HQS followed by placement in cobalt chloride solution improved postharvest performance and extended longevity rather than sucrose. Moreover, lilium did not like sucrose during postharvest handing. These results would help growers and stakeholders to increase lilium yield and improve flower quality and longevity.