Carbohydrate Changes and Leaf Blackening in Cut Flower Stems of Protea eximia

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that premature leaf blackening in cut flower stems of Protea eximia (Salisb. ex Knight) Fourcade may be brought about by a low leaf carbohydrate status. Leaves on cut flower stems held in darkness blackened within 4 days, whereas those on stems held in a greenhouse remained healthy for 5 days. Leaf blackening was also retarded by supplying 1% sucrose in the vase solution; but other additives (hypochlorite, silver thiosulfate, bisulfite) were not effective. The hypothesis was further explored by examining postharvest carbohydrate changes in the leaf of cut flower stems held in light or darkness. At harvest, leaves contained very little hexose (< 1 mg·g-1 fresh weight), comparatively small concentrations of sucrose (≈ 5 mg·g-1 fresh weight) and starch (≈ 6 mg·g-1fresh weight), but high concentrations (≈ 30 mg·g-1fresh weight) of the polyol polygalatol. Starch and sugar contents of leaves held in darkness fell rapidly, to one-third of their initial level after only 1 day and to one-sixth after 3 days. In contrast, starch and sugar contents increased slowly in leaves of stems held in light to three times the initial level after 3 days. Polygalatol content was unaffected by any treatment. Removal of the inflorescence did not delay blackening of leaves held in darkness and did not affect their carbohydrate changes.