Abstract
With the aim of extending vase life of cut dahlia flowers, we investigated the postharvest characteristics of the flowers. Our focus was on the role of ethylene on senescence and on treatments that have extended vase life of other flowers. Continuous exposure to ethylene at 2 or 10μLL−1 significantly accelerated petal abscission in cut flowers. Flowers continuously immersed in 1 or 10μLL−1 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (CEPA) solution wilted earlier than those treated with distilled water (DW) or 0.15gL−1 citric acid. Ethylene production from the ovary and ray petal was relatively high (4.5 and 0.9nLg−1freshweighth−1, respectively) at harvest, but decreased gradually over 5 days. No remarkable increase in ethylene production was observed during senescence. Silver thiosulfate complex (STS), an inhibitor of ethylene action, did not extend the vase life of cut flowers, although a high silver concentration was detected in flower organs. In contrast, pulse treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and dip treatment with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) extended the vase life of florets, and BA was more effective than 1-MCP when the flowers were held in both DW and CEPA. BA spray treatment extended vase life of cut ‘Kokucho,’ ‘Kamakura’ and ‘Michan’ flowers. These results suggest that dahlia flower senescence is partially regulated by ethylene, and BA is more effective in delaying the senescence of cut dahlia flowers than ethylene action inhibitors.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
