Quality Of Cut Flowers Research Articles

Melatonin Preserves the Postharvest Quality of Cut Roses through Enhancing the Antioxidant System.

The vase life of cut rose is relatively short, therefore; preserving its postharvest quality via eco-friendly approaches is of particular economic importance. From the previous literature, despite melatonin (MT) plays diverse important roles in the postharvest quality maintenance, its impact on preserving the postharvest quality of cut flowers is really scarce. This research therefore was undertaken to find out the possibility of exogenous MT as an eco-friendly preservative to extend the vase life of cut roses. The flowering stems of Rosa hybrida cv. ‘First Red’ were pulsed in MT solutions at 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mM for 30 min and then transferred to distilled water for evaluation. The vase life was significantly prolonged and relative water content was considerably maintained due to MT application compared to the control, more so with 0.2 mM concentration which nearly doubled the vase life (1.9-fold) higher than the control. SEM investigation showed that MT treatment reduced the stomatal aperture in lower epidermis which was widely opened in control flowers. MT treatment significantly increased the phenol content, glutathione (GSH) content and CAT, APX and GR enzyme activities compared to untreated flowers. Additionally, the radical scavenging capacity in MT-treated flowers was considerably higher than that of control and therefore MT treatment reduced H2O2 production and lipid peroxidation, which altogether reflected in membrane stability maintenance.

Effects of Cut Flower Quality on Rose ‘Bubble Gum’ Flowers of High-Efficiency Energy LED Lighting and Azoxystrobin Treatments after Harvest

Effects of Cut Flower Quality on Rose ‘Bubble Gum’ Flowers of High-Efficiency Energy LED Lighting and Azoxystrobin Treatments after Harvest

Sucrose + 8-HQC improves the postharvest quality of lily and rose cut flowers by regulating ROS-scavenging systems and ethylene release

The objective of the present investigation was to study the effects of sucrose + 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-HQC) on the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging systems and ethylene release during the vase life of cut lilies (ethylene-insensitive type) and roses (ethylene-sensitive type). ROS production and the degree of lipid peroxidation increased with the senescence of cut lily and rose flowers. The treatment with sucrose + 8-HQC enhanced ROS-scavenging abilities, decreased Superoxide radical (O2.−) release and mitigated the oxidative damage marked by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) level, although the up-regulated extent of each antioxidant enzyme was not exactly the same in both cut flower species. The treatment of sucrose + 8-HQC decreased the level of proline in cut rose, which suggested water stress of cut rose was alleviated. On the other hand, the increase of proline in cut lily due to sucrose + 8-HQC was elaborated. The preservation effect induced by sucrose + 8-HQC was involved in the regulation of ethylene production in ethylene-sensitive cut flowers, not in ethylene-insensitive cut flowers. From the results of ethylene and proline analysis, it can be found that there are differences in the regulation mechanism of sucrose on the fresh-keeping of the two cut flowers, but the treatment with sucrose and 8-HQC can improve the postharvest quality of cut flowers with different sensitivity to ethylene by enhancing ROS-scavenging activities and alleviating lipid peroxidation.

Morphological and mechanical properties of Strelitzia reginae flowers depending on the solution used for conditioning

Strelitzia reginae is an important cut flower native to South Africa. The effect of silicon and gibberellic acidwith sucrose as conditioners on the post-harvest quality of Strelitzia cut flowers was investigated. Inflorescence shoots were conditioned for 24 hours in: water solutions of Actisil 0.2% or gibberellic acid (GA3) – 200 mg∙dm–3 + sucrose 10% or distilled water (control). The shoots were then placed in distilled water or Chrysal Clear Professional 2 (10%). It was found that GA3 + sucrose and Actisil increased the size of orange sepals and blue petals when after conditioning, the shoots were placed in water or Chrysal. Conditioning in Actisil and storage in Chrysal increased the value of mechanical parameters of flowers, leading to greater flexibility and lower susceptibility to fracture. Conditioning the shoots in Actisil and keeping them in Chrysal extended the life of flowers by 2 days.

Pengaruh iradiasi sinar gamma [60Co] terhadap kutudaun Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillette) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) dan kualitas bunga potong krisan (Chrysanthemum morifolium var. Jimba Lima)

Bunga potong krisan banyak diminati masyarakat dan mempunyai nilai ekonomi tinggi. Infestasi kutudaun Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillette) pada bunga potong krisan menyebabkan kerusakan secara estetika, kerugian ekonomi, dan menjadi faktor penghambat perdagangan ekspor. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan dosis efektif iradiasi sinar gamma [60Co] terhadap kutudaun M. sanborni dan mengevaluasi pengaruhnya pada kualitas bunga potong krisan (Chrysanthemum morifolium var. Jimba Lima). Tahapan penelitian meliputi perbanyakan serangga uji, uji toksisitas relatif iradiasi sinar gamma [60Co] terhadap M. sanborni pada stek krisan, uji pengaruh iradiasi sinar gamma [60Co] terhadap imago M. sanborni dan kualitas bunga potong krisan. Uji toksisitas relatif iradiasi sinar gamma [60Co] dilakukan pada dosis 50–200 Gy, sedangkan uji pengaruh iradiasi sinar gamma [60Co] dilakukan pada dosis 200–250 Gy. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai LD99 pada imago M. sanborni sebesar 1.092,982 Gy. Bunga potong krisan var. Jimba Lima mempunyai toleransi terhadap iradiasi sinar gamma [60Co] dengan dosis dibawah 300 Gy. Oleh karena itu, uji lanjutan dilakukan pada dosis subletal. Dosis 200 Gy efektif mengendalikan M. sanborni karena aplikasi pada nimfa instar pertama hanya menghasilkan sintasan nimfa instar ketiga dan aplikasi pada nimfa instar kedua, ketiga, dan keempat mampu mencapai imago yang bersifat infertil. Hasil aplikasi pada imago menunjukkan imago mampu menghasilkan sedikit keturunan (5,35%) dan hanya berkembang pada nimfa instar pertama. Perlakuan dosis 200 Gy tidak memberikan dampak negatif terhadap kualitas bunga potong krisan, seperti layu dan munculnya bercak coklat pada mahkota bunga dalam waktu 9 hari.

Longevity and post-harvest quality of cut ornamental sunflower floral

The postharvest quality and longevity of cut flowers is influenced by several factors, with the development stage being one of the determining aspects. The determination of the harvest point is variable and must be carried out depending on the physiology of flower development and the proximity of the consumer market. In this sense, the objective was to determine the harvesting point and the ideal stem length for harvesting ‘Sol Vermelho’ ornamental sunflower. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized, arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme (harvest point × stem length), where stems harvested at stages R4 and R5.5 and in four lengths of 50, 60, 70, and 80 cm were used. The results demonstrate that the early harvest (R4 stage) of the ornamental sunflower flower ‘Sol Vermelho’ stems is a viable alternative that allows greater post-harvest durability and, consequently, the commercialization of the stems for a longer period of time. In addition, stems harvested at stage R5.5 (open flowers) with lengths of 50 and 60 cm can be recommended for sale in regions close to the production sites.

Comprehensive Flavor Analysis of Volatile Components During the Vase Period of Cut Lily (Lilium spp. 'Manissa') Flowers by HS-SPME/GC-MS Combined With E-Nose Technology.

Volatile compounds could affect the flavor and ornamental quality of cut flowers, but the flavor change occurring during the vase period of the cut flower is unclear. To clarify the dynamic changes during the vase period of cut lily (Lilium spp. ‘Manissa’) flowers, comprehensive flavor profiles were characterized by the electronic nose (E-nose) and headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). The response value of sensor W2W was significantly higher than other sensors, and its response value reached the highest on day 4. A total of 59 volatiles were detected in cut lilies by HS-SPME/GC-MS, mainly including aldehydes, alcohols, and esters. There were 19 volatiles with odor activity values (OAVs) greater than 1. Floral and fruity aromas were stronger, followed by a pungent scent. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) could effectively discriminate lily samples derived from different vase times on the basis of E-nose and HS-SPME-GC-MS. In summary, our study investigates the flavor change profile and the diversity of volatile compounds during the vase period of cut lilies, and lilies on day 4 after harvest exhibited excellent aroma and flavor taking into consideration of the flavor intensity and diversity. This provided theoretical guidance for the assessment of scent volatiles and flavor quality during the vase period of cut lily flowers and will be helpful for the application of cut lilies during the postharvest process.

Pre-exposure impact of electromagnetic field radiation on carnation plant growth and quality cut flower production

Pre-exposure impact of electromagnetic field radiation on carnation plant growth and quality cut flower production

Breeding of Rose ‘Burning Gold’ with Good Cut Flower Quality and Bi-color

Breeding of Rose ‘Burning Gold’ with Good Cut Flower Quality and Bi-color

Effects of Cut Flower Quality on Cut Rose ‘Bubble Gum’ Flowers of Azoxystrobin in Postharvest High-Efficiency Energy LED Lighting

Effects of Cut Flower Quality on Cut Rose ‘Bubble Gum’ Flowers of Azoxystrobin in Postharvest High-Efficiency Energy LED Lighting

Effect of plant size on growth and flower production of Phaius tankervilleae (Banks ex L'Hérit.) Blume - an endangered orchid of North-Eastern India

A pot experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi, Guwahati, to study the effect of different sizes of plants on vegetative growth and flower production of Phaius tankervilleae. Five different plants with varying sizes and numbers of pseudo bulb were adopted as treatments which were replicated 4 times. The flowers bloom from April and the experiment shows T3 produces the maximum number of spikes (2.38) per plant and earliest spike initiation (250.77) days while T5 produces the least number of spikes (0.5) plants and took longest days for spike initiation with (255.13) days. Meanwhile, T1 produce more new pseudo bulbs (4.0) and the least number was seen in T5 with (2.14). But T5 plants produced the biggest new pseudo bulbs (2.85cm diameter). Irrespective of the numbers of the pseudo bulb, plants with bigger pseudo bulb produced a bigger plant, long spike, more spike, bigger and more number of flowers which are a superior trait for a good quality cut flower. Beyond the production of flowers, this experiment further promotes the multiplication of pseudo bulbs, which are necessary for increasing the population of the plants for restoring and conserving the plant population without further exploitation.

Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Treatments on Some Characteristics of “Santander” Lily Cultivar

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the fields of agriculture and horticulture has been increasing recently due to contribution to seed germination, plant growth and development, flowering, yield, and physiological improvements. This research aimed to investigate the effects of silver nanoparticles on the growth and flowering characteristics of the 'Santander' lily (Lilium L.) variety and to determine its potential for use in cultivation. Before planting the plant bulbs immersed in AgNPs solutions of 0 (control), 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 ppm. After harvest; weight, circumference, height, root length, fresh and dry weight, stem root length, fresh and dry weight of stem, plant height, plant stem diameter, fresh plant weight, bud number and vase life were determined. As a result; it has been indicated that AgNPs solutions in different concentrations increased the quality and quantity of cut flowers and bulbs in lily plants. AgNPs increased an average of 26.29% when compared with control in all morphological characteristics except for the vase life. In the light of these findings, AgNPs applications can be preferred as a method that can be used on lily cultivation and reproduction. Nevertheless, considering the deficiency of treatments of AgNPs in lily plants and their poorly known effect on plants, further detailed studies are necessary.

チオ硫酸銀錯体とベンジルアデニンの組み合わせ処理はダッチアイリス ‘ブルーマジック’ 切り花貯蔵後の品質を改善する

チオ硫酸銀錯体とベンジルアデニンの組み合わせ処理はダッチアイリス ‘ブルーマジック’ 切り花貯蔵後の品質を改善する

THE EFFECT OF CHEMICAL TREATMENTS ON THE QUALITY AND LIFE OF VASES IN THE CUT FLOWERS OF CARNATIONS (DIANTHUS CARYOPYLLUS L.)

The cut flowers are living organs, with intense metabolic activity, subjected to a rapid aging process compared to the undetached flowers from the mother plant. Improving the life of cut flowers is one of the most important factors for customer satisfaction. The effect of silver thiosulphate (STS) and commercial mixtures was studied in carnation cut flowers and kept in randomized vases according to experimental factors. Three commercial mixtures were used (Chrysal, Flower Food, Fleur̛ Rose) and for thiosulphate four levels (0 or control, 0.03, 0.06 and 0.9 mM). The interaction of the two factors studied was insignificant for most traits, including wilting percentage and vase lifespan, which may involve the application of both substances alone is sufficient to improve post-harvest quality and is not necessary to use simultaneously in the preservative solution. The results also showed that following the interaction of the two factors, treatment with 0.06 mM silver thiosulphate can be applied to improve the post-harvest quality of blossom cut flowers and commercial chemical mixtures can be successfully replaced.

Comparative Analysis of Quality of Standard Cut Flowers of <i>Rosa hybrida</i> L. Distributed in Korea

Comparative Analysis of Quality of Standard Cut Flowers of <i>Rosa hybrida</i> L. Distributed in Korea

Boric acid as a potential substitute for conventional ethylene antagonists in mitigating postharvest flower senescence of Digitalis purpurea

Abstract In the floriculture industry, postharvest senescence is one of the glaring challenges restricting the marketability of cut flowers. Hence, maintaining good quality of cut flowers and extending flower longevity are considered to be the most crucial factors in the cut flower trade. Therefore, to gain better understanding of the specific physiological and biochemical aspects of petal senescence we conducted an experiment to evaluate the efficacy of Boric acid (BA) on flower longevity in excised flowers of Digitalis purpurea L. Isolated buds were harvested at stage IV i.e, 1 day before anthesis and divided into 5 sets, with one set of buds held in distilled water (DW) designated as control. The other 4 sets were supplemented with 24h pulse treatment of different concentrations of BA viz., 50, 100, 150 and 200 µM. The application of BA at 150 µM concentration was found to be most effective in increasing flower longevity by about 4 days as compared to control. The enhanced longevity coincided with higher values of floral diameter, fresh mass, dry mass and solution uptake. Flowers with delayed senescence also retained higher soluble proteins, sugars and phenols in addition to lower bacterial density compared to control. Moreover, this ameliorated flower longevity has also been shown to be positively associated with increased activities of various antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and reduced activity of lipoxygenase (LOX).

Influence of pulsing and wet cold storage on the vase water microbial profiles and overall quality of cut gladioli

Abstract Occlusion of the stem vasculature by microorganisms that proliferate in the vase water, or the plant vessels, leads to water stress symptoms that reduce postharvest quality of cut flowers. This study aimed to determine the effects of pulsing and wet-cold storage on the microbial profiles in cut Gladiolus grandiflorus L. cv. Fado. Pulsing treatments of 600-ppm 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate plus 5% sucrose solution versus distilled water were administered before wet cold storage periods of 0-5 days in cut Gladiolus, previously grown from corms under open field. A two-by-six factorial experiment embedded in a completely randomized design with four replicates was accomplished. Proc GLM in two-way Anova was adopted, and the means were separated using Tukey’s test at a 5% level of significance. The pulsing treatment of 600 ppm 8-HQS plus 5% sucrose, the wet cold storage duration and their interactive effects significantly (P˂0.0209; ˂0.0001 and ˂0.0001 respectively) affected the means of the colony-forming units in the vase water of cut Gladiolus at senescence. The prolonged vase life of cut gladioli spikes was associated with decreased microbial proliferation as influenced by pulsing and wet storage duration of up to 4 days. Data generated from this study will improve existing technologies related to the quality and market value of this Gladiolus cultivar.

The Applications of Molecular Hydrogen in Horticulture

Improvements in the growth, yield, and quality of horticultural crops require the development of simply integrated, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly solutions. Hydrogen gas (H2) has been observed to have fertilization effects on soils by influencing rhizospheric microorganisms, resulting in improvements in crop yield and quality. Ample studies have shown that H2 has positive effects on horticultural crops, such as promoting root development, enhancing tolerance against abiotic and biotic stress, prolonging storage life, and improving postharvest quality of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers. In this review, we aim to evaluate the feasibility of molecular hydrogen application in horticulture and the strategies for its application, including H2 delivery methods, treatment timing, and the concentration of H2 applied. The discussion will be accompanied by outlining the effects of H2 and the likely mechanisms of its efficacy. In short, the application of H2 may provide novel opportunities for simple and cost efficient improvements of horticultural production in terms of increased yield and product quality but with low carbon dioxide emissions.

Four-Dimension Deep Learning Method for Flower Quality Grading with Depth Information

Grading the quality of fresh cut flowers is an important practice in the flower industry. Based on the flower maturing status, a classification method based on deep learning and depth information was proposed for the grading of flower quality. Firstly, the RGB image and the depth image of a flower bud were collected and transformed into fused RGBD information. Then, the RGBD information of a flower was set as inputs of a convolutional neural network to determine the flower bud maturing status. Four convolutional neural network models (VGG16, ResNet18, MobileNetV2, and InceptionV3) were adjusted for a four-dimensional (4D) RGBD input to classify flowers, and their classification performances were compared with and without depth information. The experimental results show that the classification accuracy was improved with depth information, and the improved InceptionV3 network with RGBD achieved the highest classification accuracy (up to 98%), which means that the depth information can effectively reflect the characteristics of the flower bud and is helpful for the classification of the maturing status. These results have a certain significance for the intelligent classification and sorting of fresh flowers.

Growth and vase life of gladiolus plants cultivated under different conditions in the semi-arid region of Brazil

Abstract Cultivation conditions are determining factors that affect the quality of cut flowers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vegetative growth, flowering and vase life of commercial gladiolus cultivars under different shading conditions in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Two cultivars of gladiolus (Jester and Rose Friendship) were grown under two conditions: full sun and 70% shade. Biometrics were evaluated 60 days after planting and the growth rate of the crop was evaluated at 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 days for the variables: number of tillers, stem diameter, number of leaves and plant height. After 45 days, the fresh weight, dry weight and total relative water content of the area and root parts of the plants were evaluated. After the harvest, the stems were kept at a temperature of 22±3 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 60%. Visual assessment, pH of the solution, variation in the volume of water and loss of fresh mass were measured every two days. Cultivation with 70% shading resulted in greater accumulation of biomass in the aerial part of gladiolus plants, greater neck diameter and height. The Rose Friendship cultivar underwent a greater translocation of dry matter to the aerial part of the plants, resulting in greater height. On the other hand, the gladiolus stems from cultivation under full sun conditions resulted in longer vase life, 10 days under conservation conditions at 22±3 °C and RH 60%.