The effect of sucrose and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (8-HQS) on keeping qualities of bud-cut Chrysanthemum flowers and the level of reducing sugars in the florets

Abstract

Chrysanthemums harvested as buds of 50-60 mm in diameter and held in the solutions of sucrose and 8-HQS had inflorescences of quality equal to those opened on the plant and better than flowers placed in water. Exogenous sucrose prolonged vase-life of cv. 'Bronze Bornholm' but did not affect cv. 'Crimson Robe'. No difference was observed in the quality of flowers placed in different sucrose concentrations. All the solutions which improved keeping qualities of cut chrysanthemums caused considerable increase in the flower fresh and dry matter. Also an increase in reducing sugars was found in flowers of both cultivars he1d in the solutions of sucrose and 8-HQS.