Influence of Simulated Transport on Keeping Quality in Miniature Potted Roses

Abstract

Stressing miniature roses during transport can reduce their appearance and keeping quality. Factors that stress plants during transport are: storage in darkness, fluctuating temperatures, exposure to ethylene, high humidity, and mechanical damage. The post-production keeping quality of three cultivars of Parade® miniature potted roses (Rosa × hybrida) from three growers in Denmark were evaluated during winter and summer 1994, using three levels of simulated transport (ST) for 0, 2, or 4 days. The main causes of decreased keeping quality were wilting of flowers, infection by botrytis, and an increased number of yellow buds. After 18 days, there was no difference in the percentage of wilted flowers between 0 and 2 days of ST for all cultivars. However, for two of the three cultivars exposed to 4 days of ST the percentage of wilted flowers increased, while there was no significant effect from the ST on the percentage of wilted flowers. The degree of wilting was also dependent on origin of the plants and was less severe in summer than in winter. The number of yellow buds and infection by botrytis increased in plants exposed to 4 days of ST, and was more pronounced in winter. We conclude that, if the initial quality of the miniature potted rose is good, and the stress conditions during transport are controlled, damage can be kept at a minimum level.