Natural biostimulant bulb priming enhances biochemical attributes, postharvest quality, and storage performance of Asiatic lily

The present study investigated the effects of natural biostimulant-based bulb priming on the postharvest performance of Asiatic lily ( Lilium spp.) cv. Indian Summerset and its subsequent response to preservative solutions and packaging materials under ambient conditions (20 ± 2 °C) and cold storage (5 ± 2 °C). Bulbs were primed with coconut water, moringa leaf extract (MLE), beejamrit, and distilled water (control) for 12 h before planting. Cut spikes were subsequently evaluated under different preservative solutions and packaging materials at ambient conditions (20 ± 2 °C) and cold storage (5 ± 2 °C). Among the bulb priming treatments, 5% MLE (T6) consistently showed better postharvest performance. The T6B3 combination (5% MLE bulb priming + 4% MLE + 4% sucrose vase solution) recorded the maximum vase life (20.50 days) and floret longevity (24.33 days). Similarly, T6C1 (5% MLE bulb priming + LDPE packaging) recorded the maximum shelf life under room temperature (22.50 days) and cold storage (26.17 days). Biochemical analysis showed higher anthocyanin, flavonoid, and carotenoid contents under T6, whereas 100% coconut water (T1) recorded the highest soluble sugar content. Correlation and PCA indicated positive associations of antioxidant metabolites and chlorophyll retention with postharvest longevity. Bulb priming with 5% MLE was associated with improved postharvest performance of Asiatic lily, with further improvement observed with MLE-based holding solution or LDPE packaging in the respective postharvest experiments.