Abstract

Chrysanthemum is a cut flower species that normally lasts for 1 to 2 weeks, in some cases 3-4 weeks. This has been attributed to low ethylene production during senescence. Reduction in cut flower quality has been attributed to the formation of air embolisms that partially or completely blocks the water transport from the vase solution to the rest of the cut flower stem, increasing hydraulic resistance which may cause severe water stress, yellowing, wilting of leaf, and chlorophyll degradation. Standard type chrysanthemum can be harvested when buds were still tightly closed and then fully opened with the simple bud-opening solution. Standard type chrysanthemum can also be harvested when the minimum size of the inflorescence is about 5-6 cm bud which opened into the first flower full-sized flower. While spray varieties can be harvested when 2-4 most mature flowers have opened (40% opening). Cut flowers are sorted by stem length, weight, condition, and so on. Standard chrysanthemum is 80 cm length for standard type and 70cm for spray type. Pre-treatment with a STS, plant regulator such as GA, BA, 1-MCP, chrysal, germicide, and sucrose, significantly improved the vase life and quality of cut flowers. It is well established that vase solutions containing sugar can improve the vase life of cut chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum is normally packed in standard horizontal fiberboard boxes. Chrysanthemum should normally be stored at . Precooling resulted in reduction in respiration, decomposition, and transpiration activities as well as decoloration retardation. There was significant difference between wet storage in 3 weeks and dry storage in 2 weeks. In separate pulsing solution trials, various germicides were tested, as well as PGRs to maintain the green color of leaves and turgidity. Prolonging vase life was attained with the application of optimal solution such as HQS, , GA, BA and sucrose. This also retarded senescence in leaves of cut flower stems. Fresh cut chrysanthemum can be transported using a refrigerated van with . Increasing consumption and usage of cut chrysanthemum of various cultivars would require efficient transport system, and effective information exchange among producer, wholesaler, and consumer.

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