Abstract
The effects of long-term, dry cold storage on the vase life and physiology of waratah inflorescences ( Telopea speciosissima R.Br.) was investigated. Storage at 0 or 2°C and 100% RH for 2 weeks did not reduce the subsequent vase life at 20°C, but storage at 0°C for 4 weeks reduced it from 8 days in fresh inflorescences to less than 6 days. Storage at 4°C for 4 weeks further shortened vase life to 3 days, and storage at 80% RH reduced vase life compared with storage at 100% RH. Harvest maturity had no significant effect on post-storage vase life. Storage also reduced subsequent flower opening on the inflorescence. The shorter vase life of cold-stored waratahs was associated with earlier changes in properties of the inflorescence which normally accompanied senescence of fresh waratahs; decreases in water uptake and flower and bract fresh weights, and increases in nett water loss, perianth abscission and ethylene production by flowers. That is, cold storage advanced subsequent senescence of the inflorescence at 20°C, apparently because ageing had occurred during cold storage.
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