Biochemical Changes during Frond Senescence of Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia sp.) Postharvest

Abstract

Rabbit’s foot fern (Davallia sp.) is often used to decorate the vase and flower arrangements. However, the longevity is very short and just 5 to7 days. This study investigated the biochemical changes during frond senescence in rabbit’s foot fern after harvest. Freshness and green fronds (stage1) were used in this experiment and were held in a vase containing distilled water. During frond development and senescence, fresh weight, chlorophyll, carotenoid, H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde content were monitored. Development of rabbit’s foot fern was divided into 5 stages viz., stage 1– freshness and green frond (at the beginning of the experiment), stage 2 – yellow frond area of 25%, stage 3 – yellow frond area of 50%, stage 4 – desiccation and chlorosis on 75 % of frond area and stage 5 – desiccation and chlorosis on 100% of frond area, depending on their development during the vase period. The results showed that the fresh weight of fronds continuously decreased at all stages during the vase period. The frond showed a significantly lower chlorophyll a, chlorophyllb, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content at stages 3–5. In addition, fronds in stage I showed lower malondialdehyde content than in stages 2-5, and H₂O₂ content showed a rapid increase at stages 3 until senescence (stage 5). The results suggested that the rabbit’s foot fern senescence was related to the rise of malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ content and the decrease of fresh weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content.