092 Evaluating Seasonal Color Changes and Storage Conditions for Woody Plant Branches Used in the Floral Trade

Abstract

A number of deciduous woody ornamental plants experience seasonal changes in stem pigmentation. The resulting coloration yields plants desirable for use as cut branches in the florist trade. The dynamics of color change are particularly important in identifying harvest periods based on optimum color. The characterization of this process has been investigated for Cornus (Cornus baileyi, Cornus sericea `Cardinal', Cornus sericea `Flaviramea', Cornus alba `Bud's Yellow') and Salix (Salix matsudana `Tortosa', Salix `Golden Curls', Salix `Scarlet Curls') cultivars. Seasonal color changes are presented in relation to date. These data were compared to chlorophyll and anthocyanin levels to further characterize pigmentation change. Because size and round stem shape are not conducive to traditional tristimulus color measurement techniques, L*a*b* measurements were obtained from images imported via computer scanner as CIELAB images. L*a*b* values then were used to determine hue angle and chromaticity for each sample date. Postharvest storage duration and conditions are evaluated with regard to moisture content and color retention in cut branches.