Abstract

Storage of enlarged lotus rhizomes used as a vegetable crop has been extensively studied, but little is known about the viability of lotus propagules (rhizomes with shoots) during storage. In this study, ornamental lotus, Nelumbo nucifera ‘Embolene’, was used to evaluate the effects of gum acacia, sphagnum moss and Terra-Sorb^® hydrogel on the physiology and postharvest longevity or viability of stored lotus propagules. After 45 days of storage at 5C (42F) and 95% RH, there were no decayed propagules, and 94% of total propagules maintained their viability after planting. Water retention and shelf-life of rhizomes were similar among all treatments during storage. However, more water loss occurred with treatments at higher concentrations of gum acacia. After harvest, large differences in total sugar were found among individual samples, while starch content remained unchanged. A strong quadratic relationship was observed between total sugar and storage time for all treatments, but there was no significant effect of treatment on total carbohydrate change in lotus propagules after 45 days of storage.