Bud Diameter Research Articles

Microsporogenesis and flower development in Eucalyptus urophylla × E. tereticornis.

We compared microsporogenesis and flower development in Eucalyptus urophylla × E. tereticornis. In this study, although microsporogenesis and cytokinesis occurred simultaneously during meiosis of pollen mother cells, we observed a strong asynchronism in different anthers from a flower bud. The developmental period of microsporogenesis in anthers originated from the long thrum before the short thrum. Flower development was also asynchronous at different locations on a branch. The flower buds grew on the lower side of the branch and showed greater increases in diameter. In addition, we observed a relationship between microsporogenesis development and flower bud diameter growth. Generally, when the pachytene stage was first observed in a small single flower bud growing on top of a flowering branch, the remaining microsporogenesis stages (from diplotene to tetrad) in the whole branch occurred over the next 5–9 days. Thus, the start of microsporogenesis in E. urophylla × E. tereticornis could be determined, which may be applicable to future breeding studies.

Evaluation of hybrid tea rose varieties for flower quality and yield contributing traits

The study was carried out with 42 hybrid tea rose varieties during June, 2013 to March, 2014 to determine their performance for quality traits, yield and yield contributing traits after October pruning. Among different varieties, maximum length of flower bud (4.02 cm) was recorded by Forever, while variety Apartie showed minimum length of flower bud (2.36 cm). Maximum flower bud diameter (3.10 cm) was recorded in Forever and the minimum (1.87 cm) in Apartie. Maximum flower stalk length (50.15 cm) was found in Chardony while the minimum (9.73 cm) was recorded in New Zealand. Kentucky Derby exhibited maximum weight of flower (14.80 g) and minimum flower weight (7.04 g) was found in Apartie. Maximum number of petals per flower (50.05) was recorded in Hot Pewter, while the minimum was observed in Aparties (19.50). The duration of flowering (119 days) was maximum in Alliance and the minimum was in Grace de Monaco and Rosemary Harkness (76 days). Based on the overall evaluation of varieties for quality, yield and yield contributing traits, Alliance, Melody, Roter Champagner, Melame, Kentucky Derby, Forever, Montreal, and National Trust were found superior and suitable for Nagpur conditions.

The Behaviour of Some Rose Cultivars of Different Origin as Cut Flowers in Nutritive Solutions

The researches done between the years 2012-2013 at Horticultural products technology Department of Horticulture Faculty of UASVM Cluj-Napoca followed the influence of preservative solution on the decorative period in vase of four indigenous and four non-indigenous (Dutch origin) rose cultivars. The obtained results shown that the interaction of preservative solution with cultivar pointed out the Avalance and Samba Romanian cultivars which in Chrysal preservative solution recorded very significant positive differences in comparison with control (Merci cultivar), for all the three studied characteristics (diameter of floral bud, the aspect of floral bud and the aspect of leaves on the floral stem).

CITOCININAS Y PROTECTOR FLORAL PARA INCREMENTAR LA CALIDAD DEL BOTÓN FLORAL EN ROSA DE CORTE

In the State of Mexico, cut rose (Rosa x hybrida) grown under greenhouse conditions has as a commercial constraint the low phytosanitary quality of its flower buds. To improve this quality, three growth regulators containing cytokinins (two commercial products and one prepared at a dose of 0.001 ppm from a technical-grade growth regulator, all at three frequencies of application) and CP ® Floral Protector (FP) were evaluated in cut Rosa x hybrid ‘Polo’ grown under greenhouse conditions in Villa Guerrero, State of Mexico. A completely randomized experimental design with 20 treatments and four replications in a factorial arrangement was used. Treatments were applied to flower buds of 0.5 cm in diameter with closed sepals. Evaluations were made according to commercial harvest criteria when the petals begin to separate from the center of the flower. The FP and application of growth regulators increased bud diameter and length (P ≤ 0.05), but there was no effect on peduncle length or the number of days to harvest. FP use prevented insect damage and increased the number of export-quality buds. CP® floral protector and growth regulators improve the quality of cut roses.

Effect of Nutrient Solution PH on the Vegetative and Reproductive Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Rose Cv. ‘Grand Gala’ in Hydroponic System

The rose plants were cultivated in the pots containing 75% cocopeat+ 25% perlite and were nourished with ½ Hoagland nutrient solutions with pH of 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 8. The results revealed that plant fresh and dry weight, flower bud, and stem diameter increased with the increase in pH from 4.5 to 6.5, but then started to decrease with further increase in pH up to 8. The highest number of buds, chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm, performance index (PI), and leaf phosphorus, iron, manganese, and copper concentrations were obtained at pH 6.5 and the lowest one at pH 8. The highest and lowest zinc concentration was observed at pH 6.5 and 4.5, respectively. According to the results, pH 6.5 was evaluated as optimum for hydroponic culture of rose, which resulted in the higher uptake of elements and better vegetative and reproductive growth and higher quality of rose plants.

Performance of Different Carnation (Dianthus CaryophyllusL.) Cultivars Grown from Seed in the Plains of West Bengal, India

The suitability of 6 spray carnation cultivars namely Chabaud Extra Mix, Enfont De Nice, Chabaud Mix, Chabaud Super Mix, Chabaud Finest Mix and Lilipot Mix grown from seeds were studied in the plains of West Bengal, India in this experiment. Plants of the variety Enfont De Nice was found longest (73.84 cm) and dwarfing nature was noticed with Lilipot Mix (47.38 cm). Highest numbers of side-shoots were recorded with Chabaud Extra Mix (18.12) and lowest with Enfont De Nice (12.80). Chabaud Mix produced highest number of leaves shoot−1 (21.38). Leaf length and leaf width were found highest with Enfont De Nice and lowest with Lilipot Mix. The plants of Lilipot Mix reached the Flower Bud Initiation (FBI) stage earliest (54.37 days) and the plants of Chabaud Extra Mix reached the FBI stage last of all (89.54 days). The shortest time period required for FBI to Colour Showing (CS) stage (34.75 days) was found with Chabaud Finest Mix. Cultivar Chabaud Mix required the most delayed time period to reach the full bloom stage (5.08 days) and Chabaud Finest Mix reached the full bloom stage earliest (4.00 days). Longevity of flower in-situ was recorded maximum with Lilipot Mix (7.29 days). Bud length and bud diameter was found highest with Chabaud Super Mix (4.25 cm and 67 cm respectively). Flower diameter was found highest with Chabaud Super Mix (5.91 cm) and lowest flower diameter was recorded with Lilipot Mix (4.56 cm). Chabaud Extra Mix was found the highly floriferous variety producing 47.38 flowers plant−1. Longest stalks were produced by Chabaud Super Mix (35.43 cm). Higher fresh weight of 100 flowers was noticed with Enfont De Nice (254.88 g). Maximum post-harvest longevity was recorded with Lilipot Mix (4.63 days). Lilipot Mix is found to be better as pot plant for its short stalk length, earlier blooming with maximum in-situ longevity of flowers. The other cultivars are suitable for loose and cut flower production. Chabaud Super Mix can be used for quality flower production but the recommended most floriferous variety is Chabaud Extra Mix.

Foliar Application of Gibberelic Acid on Growth and Flowering of Gerbera Cultivars

An experiment was conducted at Rooftop Garden under 2abotech lab, Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh during November 2012 to July 2013 to find out growth and yield performance of potted Gerbera against foliar application of different concentration of Gibberelic acid (GA3). Three varieties viz. V1 (red), V2 (brick red), V3 (pink) and four GA3 concentrations viz. G0: 0 ppm, G1: 100 ppm, G2: 150ppm, G3: 200 ppm were evaluated in the experiment. Maximum number of flower (22.1), flower bud diameter (3.6 cm), peduncle length (29.3 cm), peduncle diameter (1.9 mm) and flower head diameter (8.6 cm) were found from V2 while G2 provided maximum number of flower (24.0), longest peduncle (28.3), maximum peduncle diameter (1.7) but G2 and G3 both provided maximum flower bud diameter (3.1 cm) and flower head diameter (8.1 cm). V2G2 was found as the best treatment combination.

Chlorpyrifos induced toxicity in reproductive organs of female Wistar rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphate (OP) insecticide extensively used in agricultural and domestic settings. Healthy adult female albino rats were divided into three groups of six rats in each. Two groups were dosed orally with CPF in vegetable oil (0.1 and 2.5mg/kg/day) and third group was given vegetable oil for 8weeks. Non-significant changes were observed for body weight and feed intake. A disruption in estrous cyclicity was observed with a prolonged metestrous. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility and lipid peroxidation levels increased significantly. Mammary gland whole mounts revealed a significant (P<0.05–0.0001) increase in the ductal thickness, number of branches, alveolar and terminal end bud number and terminal end bud diameter. A significant increase in ovarian surface epithelium height, follicular diameter and follicular atresia was observed in treated rats (P<0.05–0.0001). A similar significant increase in the uterine surface epithelium height, endometrial gland epithelium height and myometrium thickness in higher dose group was recorded (P<0.05–0.0001). Luminal epithelium height and endometrial gland diameter was increased significantly in both the treated groups (P<0.05–0.0001). The results indicate that sub-chronic exposure of CPF causes oxidative stress and negative effects on the reproductive organs of female rats, which may be a pointer towards beginning of cancer incidence.

Different day and night temperature responses in Lilium hansonii in relation to growth and flower development

Temperature is one of the most important factors that directly affect the possibility and the rate of flower differentiation in many geophytes such as Lilium. In this experiment, different day and night temperatures were used to determine the required day and night temperature for flower bud development in Lilium hansonii. After low temperature exposure for breaking bulb dormancy, the bulbs were planted in pots, and placed in designated growth chambers each with a specific temperature. The plants were exposed to different temperatures for 30 days, and 15 days after planting sample plants were collected in each treatment for observation of flower bud development using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Responses of plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter were also measured as affected by difference between day and night temperature (DIF) and average daily temperature (ADT). The results showed that average daily temperature and high day temperature had a direct effect on the quality, quantity, and time required for flower bud development. They also affected the stem elongation, number of leaves, and stem diameter. Higher ADT and DT (25°C) promoted stem elongation and increased leaf unfolding rate (LUR), but with less number of leaves produced. As ADT and DT increased, stem diameter decreases. In lower ADT and DT (15°C) treatment, greater stem diameter and higher number of flower buds (2–7 buds) were produced. Higher ADT and DT promoted early flower bud initiation, but lower number of flower buds with higher possibilities of flower bud abortion, while lower ADT and DT showed slower flower bud initiation and development with higher flower bud formation.

Fraser Fir Tolerance and Weed Control with Hexazinone + Sulfometuron-methyl

Experiments were conducted to test a new herbicide for posttransplant application in Christmas trees. A premix containing 68.6% hexazinone and 6.5% sulfometuron-methyl was applied at 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 oz/acre plus 0.25% v/v nonionic surfactant (NIS) to recently transplanted fraser fir (Abies fraseri) Christmas trees and trees transplanted for 1 year in Spring 2008. The treatments were repeated on the same plots in 2009 and 2010. At Gobles, MI, trees treated with 7.5 oz/acre of hexazinone plus sulfometuron had increased stem diameter, after one growing season, and trees treated with 9.0 oz/acre had reduced leader length the second year. After 3 years, fraser fir trees treated with hexazinone plus sulfometuron at 9.0 oz/acre had reduced tree height. Stem diameter, leader length, and number of leader buds were not statistically different from the untreated control. At Horton, MI, trees treated with 9.0 oz/acre of hexazinone plus sulfometuron had reduced leader length after 1, 2, and 3 years. After 3 years, trees treated with hexazinone plus sulfometuron at 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 oz/acre were shorter than the untreated controls. There were no differences from the untreated trees in stem diameter of trees treated with hexazinone plus sulfometuron after 3 years.

Comparative morphology, biology and histology of reproductive development in three lines of Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae: Crotonoideae).

Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a major food staple in the tropics and subtropics, thrives even in environments undergoing threatening climate change. To satisfy the increasing demand for crop improvement and overcome the limitations of conventional breeding, the introduction of inbreeding techniques such as the production of doubled haploid lines via androgenesis or gynogenesis offers advantages. However, comprehensive studies on cassava flower bud biology or structural development are lacking and precise structural and biological information is a prerequisite to enhance the efficiency of these techniques. The floral biology of three selected cassava lines was studied, focusing on morphology, phenology and pollen biology (quantity, viability and dimorphism). Histological studies were also conducted on microsporogenesis/microgametogenesis and megasporogenesis/megagameto-genesis to generate precise developmental data for these lines. Male and female cyathia have distinct developmental phases. Pollen viability was high during immature stages of plant development; however, pollen mortality was common at later stages. Pollen trimorphism in male gametophytes towards the larger or smaller pollen size, as compared with normal size, was observed. Ten characteristic events were identified in male gametogenesis and six in female gametogenesis that were correlated with flower bud diameter. Male gametophyte diameter at different developmental stages was also determined. Results indicate that the three lines did not differ significantly, except regarding a few morphological aspects such as plant height, flower colour and number of male cyathia. Pollen grains were initially viable, but viability decreased drastically at later stages of growth. Abnormal meiosis or mitosis triggered pollen trimorphism. The demonstrated sequential events of reproductive development generated valuable information at the cellular level, which will help close the current information gap for cassava improvement via breeding programmes and doubled haploid plant production.

Interrelationship of clinical, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical features of oral lesions in chronic paracoccidioidomycosis

This study aimed to analyze the oral lesions of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis concerning their histomorphometric, immunohistochemical, and clinical features in a standardized sample. Fifty biopsy specimens of oral lesions of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis were submitted to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Grocott-Gomori and immunohistochemical staining. Data regarding disease duration and size and number of oral lesions, as well as erythrocytes, leukocytes, lymphocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, were collected from medical charts. Granuloma density and number and diameter of buds and fungal cells, and IL-2, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma expression, as well as clinical and hematological features, were quantified and correlated. Bud diameter was significantly greater in intermediate density granulomas compared to higher density granulomas. The other variables (number of buds, number and diameter of fungi, expression of IL-2, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, and clinical and hematological features) did not significantly change with the density of granulomas. There was a positive correlation between bud number and fungal cell number (r = 0.834), bud diameter and fungal cell diameter (r = 0.496), erythrocytes and number of fungi (r = 0.420), erythrocytes and bud number (r = 0.408), and leukocytes and bud number (r = 0.396). Negative correlation occurred between number and diameter of fungi (r = -0.419), bud diameter and granuloma density (r = -0.367), TNF-alpha expression and number of fungi (r = -0.372), and TNF-alpha expression and bud number (r = -0.300). The histological, immunological, and clinical features of oral lesions evaluated did not differ significantly between patients in our sample of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis. TNF-alpha levels were inversely correlated with intensity of infection.

Yield and shelf life of chrysanthemum in response to the silicon application

The potted chrysanthemum is one of the main flowers produced in protected cultivation. Silicon has promoted improvements both in quantitative and qualitative aspects when supplied to some ornamental species produced in these conditions. We evaluated the response of chrysanthemum cultivars grown in pots to the application of silicon. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Treatments were arranged in a 3x2 factorial scheme (three cultivars of chrysanthemum: Coral Charm, White Reagan and Indianapolis and two doses of silicon: 0 and 800 mg kg-1) with six replications, in an entirely randomized design. We evaluated the diameter of the flower buds and stems; length of the flower stems; height of the plants; dry matter production of roots, leaves, stems, inflorescence and shoots; total number of inflorescences; diameter of the most fully open inflorescences; Si content in the leaf tissue; and flowering cycle and shelf life. The White Reagan cultivar produced the greatest number of inflorescences (29.17) per pot and proved to be more precocious (85.83 days). There was no negative interaction between Si, Ca and K and no effect of silicon was shown on the production and shelf life of the chrysanthemum. There was an increase in the content of this element in the leaves with the application of potassium metasilicate.

Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor vector on vascular buds of vertebral cartilaginous endplate in rabbits

To directly inject recombinant pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 plasmid into degeneration intervertebral disc and explore its effects on vascular buds of vertebral cartilage endplate and intervertebral disc in rabbits. Rabbits were randomly assigned into the experimental and control groups (n = 10 each). For the experimental group, the animals were anesthetized and the front vertebral body exposed. With the longitudinal ossature of front vertebral body of lumbar vertebrae as a mark, a needle was inserted at the central point of the front fourth and fifth lumbar intervertebral disc and 20 µl pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 injected. For the control group, 20 µl pcDNA3.1 was injected. At Weeks 4 and 8 post-injection, the changes of vertebral cartilage endplate were monitored by radiograph, histology and scanning electron microscopy. The vertebral cartilage endplate calcification and degeneration in the experimental group were less pronounced than that in the control group at Week 8 post-operation. The average number and diameter of vascular buds obviously increased in the experimental group at Weeks 4 and 8 post-operation. The number and diameter of vascular buds in the region of inner annulus increased compared with those in the area near nucleus pulposus. The pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 plasmid may promote the vascular buds of vertebral cartilage endplate by increasing their average number and diameter and arresting the intervertebral disc degeneration.

Genç ve Yaşlı Akkaraman Koyunlarının Papilla Sirkumvalataları Üzerinde Işık Mikroskobik Araştırmalar

Summary In this light microscopic study, morphometric parameters of the circumvallate papillae and the number of their taste buds in tongues of young (6-9 month-old) and aged (7 year-old) Akkaraman sheep were compared in order to determine general morphology and whether there were age-related differences in general morphology and numbers of the taste buds between young and aged animals. The tongues were obtained from a local slaughterhouse. Tissue samples containing dorsal lingual papillae of 32 tongues (16 young and 16 aged) from both sexes (equal numbers of the males and females) were used for histological investigation. The mean number and diameter of the circumvallate papilla, mean number and diameter of the taste buds, and the taste bud number per circumvallate papilla were determined under the light microscope. There were no significant differences between the young and aged animals in the mean number and diameter of circumvallate papillae, the taste bud number and the diameter, taste bud number per papilla. Nevertheless, the aged animals had larger circumvallate papillae. These results showed that number of the taste buds and circumvallate papilla did not change with aging in Akkaraman sheep. Because that general morphology of the circumvallate papillae and their taste bud numbers did not change even in older animals, any age-related differences in the sense of taste can not be attributed to gross degenerative changes in taste buds of circumvallate papillae.

Motility and Segregation of Hsp104-Associated Protein Aggregates in Budding Yeast

During yeast cell division, aggregates of damaged proteins are segregated asymmetrically between the bud and the mother. It is thought that protein aggregates are cleared from the bud via actin cable-based retrograde transport toward the mother and that Bni1p formin regulates this transport. Here, we examined the dynamics of Hsp104-associated protein aggregates by video microscopy, particle tracking, and image correlation analysis. We show that protein aggregates undergo random walk without directional bias. Clearance of heat-induced aggregates from the bud does not depend on formin proteins but occurs mostly through dissolution via Hsp104p chaperon. Aggregates formed naturally in aged cells also exhibit random walk but do not dissolve during observation. Although our data do not disagree with a role for actin or cell polarity in aggregate segregation, modeling suggests that their asymmetric inheritance can be a predictable outcome of aggregates' slow diffusion and the geometry of yeast cells.

Alternative substrates for growth and production of potted chrysanthemum (cv. Funny)

The identification of alternative substrates that are suitable for the production of potted plants is very important. To this end, we studied the influence of different substrates on the growth and production of potted chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev cv. Funny). A completely randomized design with four treatments and twelve replicates was used. Each treatment consisted of the following substrates: i) carbonized rice husks; ii) commercial substrate; iii) mixture of vermiculite and carbonized rice husks in a 1:1 proportion; and iv) mixture of vermiculite and washed sand in a 1:1 proportion. Satisfactory results were obtained with alternative substrates, indicating that rice husks can be used as a sole or partial substrate for potted chrysanthemum cultivation, creating a possible new use for this regional agro-industry waste product. Using rice husk as a substrate promoted bud diameters 6% larger than the commercial substrate usually used in Brazil.

Optimum harvesting time of herbaceous peony buds for cutting flowers

The herbaceous peony is one of the cut flowers that has become increasingly popular in the international market in recent years. In the study, 11 cultivars of herbaceous peonies suitable for cutting flowers were selected; different harvesting stages (three or four stages) were identified according to bud development observation (bud firmness, bud diameter, sepal angle, petal angle, and color showing). Moreover, flower development and vase life were also recorded in the experiment of vase. Bud development observation shows that there are great differences in optimum harvesting stage between the cultivars, especially between the hybrid peony group and lactiflora group. This implies that bud diameter could not be the only indicator for optimum harvesting stage. Bud description, including sepal opening angle, sepal color, petal color showing, and degree of firmness, is necessary for the determination of the harvesting stage. Among the 11 cultivars, ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’, ‘Red Charm’, ‘Edulis Superba’, ‘Red Magic’, and ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ should be harvested at stage 1. ‘Duchesse de Nemours’, ‘Taff’, ‘Sorbet’ and ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’ should be harvested at stage 2. ‘Kansas’ should be at stage 3 and ‘Karl Rosenfield’ at stage 4. The determination of optimum harvesting stage for each cultivar is an important element in cut flower production.

US assessment of estrogen-responsive organ growth among healthy term infants: piloting methods for assessing estrogenic activity.

A mother's circulating estrogen increases over the third trimester, producing physiological effects on her newborn that wane postnatally. Estrogenization might be prolonged in newborns exposed to exogenous estrogens, such as isoflavones in soy formula. We evaluated ultrasonography for monitoring growth of multiple estrogen-responsive organs in healthy infants and developed organ-growth trajectories. We studied 38 boys (61 visits) from birth to age 6 months and 41 girls (96 visits) from birth to age 1 year using a partly cross-sectional, partly longitudinal design. We measured uterus and ovaries in girls, testes and prostate in boys, and kidneys, breasts, thymus, and thyroid in all children. We imaged all organs from the body surface in one session of < 1 h. Uterine volume decreased from birth (P < 0.0001), whereas ovarian volume increased sharply until age 2 months and then decreased (P < 0.001). Testicular volume increased with age (P < 0.0001), but prostatic volume showed minimal age trend. Breast bud diameter showed no age trend in girls but declined from birth in boys (P = 0.03). US examination of multiple estrogen-responsive organs in infants in a single session is feasible and yields volume estimates useful for assessing potential endocrine disruptor effects on organ growth.

1-MCP SHORTENS PEONY VASE LIFE

Ethylene action and synthesis inhibitors were evaluated for their effects on cut peony flower longevity and quality. Field-grown 'Karl Rosenfield' and 'Sarah Bernhardt' cut peony flowers were treated for two hours with either 0.5 mM silver thiosulfate (STS) or 0.60 μl L -1 1-methycyclopropene (1-MCP) ethylene action inhibitors, Floralife ® (FLO) at the label recommended dosage, 0.60 μl L -1 ethylene (Eth), or deionized water (CON) before being stored for nine weeks. In addition, cut peony flowers temporarily held for three weeks in refrigerated storage were treated for two hours with either 100 μl L -1 aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), an ethylene synthesis inhibitor or deionized water and monitored for an additional seven week storage period. Vase life, flower weight, bud diameter, degree of petal openness, petal color, rate of ethylene and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) evolution, and percent disease incidence were monitored. 'Karl Rosenfield' flowers were unaffected by all treatments over the storage time. 'Sarah Bernhardt' flowers responded to STS and 1-MCP treatments during CO 2 evolution, petal color and percent disease incidence measurements. Flowers treated with AVG had slowed reproductive organ development and increased disease incidence. The Floralife ® treatment promoted the longest flower vase life; 1-MCP-treated flowers had the shortest vase life. Flowers treated with STS were lighter and less vivid in color, whereas FLO-treated flowers had darker and more vivid petal color. AVG had little to no effect on flower quality or vase life, with the exception of delayed flower development and increased disease incidence. The decline of vase life and flower quality was significantly related to the length of storage time. The ethylene antagonists used in this study were ineffective at increasing storage longevity and quality of cut peony flowers.