COMPARISON OF SILVER THIOSULFATE WITH 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE ON 19 CUT FLOWER TAXA

Abstract

The effects of silver thiosulfate (STS; AVB) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; Ethylbloc) were determined on 14 commonly-grown cut flower species, represented by one to three cultivars per species. Stems were unpacked, sorted, and placed in either deionized water (DI) and subjected to 1-MCP (740 nL L') or ambient air for 4 h or DI plus STS at either 0.1 mM (Alstroemeria) or 0.2 mM (all other species) for 4 h. After treatment, stems were removed, placed in polyethylene sleeves and stored either wet in DI water or dry in plastic-lined floral boxes at 5°C in the dark for 4 days. After storage bunches were placed in DI water under 12 h (76 to 100 μmol m -2 s -1 ) light per day. Flowers were monitored daily to determine the end of wholesale vase life, which was designated as the first day a change was noticed in the flower or inflorescence that would typically prevent it from being sold by a wholesaler or retailer. The consumer vase life was also recorded for each stem and was designated as the day a typical consumer would dispose of it. The 19 cut flower taxa could be organized into four groups based on effectiveness of STS and 1-MCP: (1) Both STS and 1-MCP increased vase life but STS was more effective: Dianthus caryophyllus (all three cultivars), Bouvardia, Lilium (Asiatic), and Lathyrus odorata. (2) Both STS and 1-MCP prevented the negative effects of dry storage: Freesia (both cultivars) and Chamelaucium (one cultivar). (3) STS increased vase life while 1-MCP did not: Alstroemeria, Delphinium, Matthiola, and Gypsophila. (4) STS and 1-MCP either had no effect or a negative effect: Consolida, Eustoma, Ranunculus, Antirrhinum, and Chamelaucium (one cultivar).