Cultivar differences in the deterioration of vase-life in cut-flowers of Anthurium andraeanum is determined by mechanisms that regulate water uptake

Abstract

Vase-life, average daily water uptake rate and abaxial stomata density were evaluated in 17 anthurium ( Anthurium andraeanum Hort.) cultivars over two trials. There were significant cultivar differences for vase-life (14–49 days), 5-day average water uptake rate and abaxial stomata density, in both trials. A progressively stronger correlation coefficient between average daily water uptake rates during the period 25–50 days after initiation of experiment (DAI) and vase-life was observed, indicating that cultivars with longer vase-life were able to maintain above average water uptake rate over a longer period of time and hence delay symptoms of water stress. This was evident in the water uptake rate curves as an inflection, resulting in the levelling off of water uptake rates. The cultivars with long vase-lives achieved steady state water uptake levels faster, and maintained a high steady state water uptake rate for longer durations. The role of vascular occlusion and other senescence factors on water relations and vase-life is discussed.