Question

Gladiolus cut-spikes are pre-cooled at :

• A. 1°C
• B. 4°C
• C. 6°C
• D. 10°C

Hint:

Always pre-cool gladiolus spikes at around 4°C immediately after harvest to maintain freshness and prolong vase life.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Pre-cooling is a critical post-harvest treatment for cut flowers, specifically gladiolus. This process facilitates the removal of field heat and retards metabolic processes, consequently prolonging vase life. Gladiolus spikes are generally pre-cooled at 4°C, a temperature recognized as optimal for preserving freshness while preventing chilling damage.
(A) 1°C – Inaccurate. This low temperature risks causing chilling injury to gladiolus spikes.
(B) 4°C – Accurate. This is the optimal pre-cooling temperature for gladiolus cut-spikes.
(C) 6°C – Inaccurate. This temperature is slightly above optimal and may not efficiently remove field heat.
(D) 10°C – Inaccurate. Insufficient for effective pre-cooling and can degrade storage quality.