Vase Life Of Cut Flowers Research Articles

Innovative application of NIR-AOTF and MRI to study water behaviour in cut flower

In order to study the water status of cut flowers, a comparison study was made between flowers stored in water and flowers stored «dry pack», by using a portable NIR (near infrared)-AOTF(acousto-optical tunable filter) instrument and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). As model flower, Zantedeschia aethiopica (commercially known as Calla lily) was used. To predict the weight loss and water content by NIR-AOTF, cut flowers were dried in a cold room at 10°C (±1°C) and 85% (±5%) relative humidity (RH), and measured for weight loss. For MRI application, 4 and 20°C storage temperatures were used for flowers kept in water or dry; two stem sections, basal and middle, were measured. Significant correlation results for weight loss and water content ( R2 in calibration = 0.98 for estimated % of water loss and 0.96 for % of water content; R2 cv = 0.95 and 0.90) were obtained by NIR-AOTF spectra acquisitions. MRI detected vessel degradation in the stem of the water-stored flowers at 4°C but at 20°C in dry storage no vessel degradation appeared and images were correlated with dry matter values. The use of image software allowed the transformation of images in normalized population and pixel intensity, which gave hints about the potential use of these data to combine with NIR-AOTF data. NIR-AOTF, an easy-to-use and non destructive instrument, can be used to predict the vase life of cut flowers by measuring water content or weight loss. MRI is a powerful tool to identify the plugging of vessels but it is destructive; the image software used represents a useful tool to correlate MRI with NIR-AOTF to predict vessel plugging.

Pulsing Treatments of Abscisic Acid and Sucrose for Improving Postharvest Quality of Cut Lily Flowers

Abscisic acid (ABA), as a senescence phytohormone, has been proved to be related to flower petal senescence in rose (Mayak and Halevy, 1972; Kumar et al., 2008) and carnation (Nowak and Veen, 1982). Higher ABA concentrations were found in short–lived cultivars compared to long–lived rose cultivars (Halevy and Mayak, 1975). Exogenous application of ABA leads to enhancement of aging–related process in daffodil petals (Hunter et al., 2004). ABA, as one of the preservation agents, was also applied in the fresh–keeping of cut roses (Kohl and Rundle, 1972), Baccara roses (Pompodakis and Joyce, 2003; Pompodakis et al., 2004) and Eustoma flowers (Shimizu–Yumoto and Ichimura, 2009). ABA prolongs the vase life of cut roses with leaves, but shortens the vase life of leafless cut roses (Halevy et al., 1974). ABA can regulate water balance of cut flower through controlling stomata opening, increase the postharvest quality, and extend the vase life of cut flowers (Kohl and Rundle, 1972; Pompodakis and Joyce, 2003; Pompodakis et al., 2004). On the other hand it has been reported that ABA regulates water balance through ways other than stomata opening regulation (Borohov et al., 1976), the application of ABA did not affect the transpiration (Ichimura and Shimizu–Yumoto, 2007). ABA treatment can alleviate the sucrose–induced leaf chlorosis and improve the quality of cut flowers (Pompodakis and Joyce, 2003; Shimizu–Yumoto and Ichimura, 2009). Lilies are the world famous cut flowers with high ornamental value. Yang et al. (1996) indicated that ABA probably is the main factor affecting senescence of cut lilies, because morphology of cut flowers showed senescence symptoms following the peak of ABA, while ethylene can accelerate the aging process only to a certain extent. But Li et al. (2012) indicated that the addition of lower concentrations of ABA with sucrose and 8–hydroxyquinoline citrate (8–HQC) induced the increase of fresh weight, and partly alleviate the sucrose–induced leaf yellowing. Based on the above researches, the preservation mechanism of ABA in cut lilies is still not clear. Lilium ‘Sorbonne’ (Oriental hybrid group) was used as an experimental material in this study to observe the preservation effect of ABA, and to confirm further the preservation mechanism of ABA by determining the physiological indices and ethylene release of cut ‘Sorbonnes’ petals during postharvest.

Effects of Shipping Temperature and Harvesting Stage on Quality and Vase Life of Cut Flowers in Dendranthema grandiflorum ‘Baekma’ for Export

본 연구는 수출용 스탠다드 국화 '백마'의 모의 수송온도와 개화단계에 따른 절화의 품질과 수명에 미치는 영향을 조사하여 적정 수송온도와 수확시기를 구명하고자 실시하였다. 개화 4단계의 '백마' 절화를 수확하여 <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 24시간 수송한 후 5, 20, <TEX>$35^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 48시간 모의 수송하여 절화의 품질을 조사하였다. 또한 개화 1단계에서 6단계까지의 절화를 수확하여 <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 72시간 동안 모의 수송한 후 절화의 품질을 조사하였다. 수송온도가 높아질수록 유통박스 내의 <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> 농도는 급격히 높아졌으며, <TEX>$O_2$</TEX> 농도는 크게 감소하였다. <TEX>$35^{\circ}C$</TEX>와 <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX>보다 <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 수송하는 것이 절화수명이 3.8일 연장되었으며, 잎의 엽록소 함량도 345.7로 가장 많았다. 또한 <TEX>$35^{\circ}C$</TEX>보다 <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX> 수송조건에서 절화의 생체중과 흡수량이 높게 유지되었을 뿐만 아니라 화경도 보존용액에서 8일째에 2.3cm 더 길었다. 개화 6단계보다 개화 1-2단계에서 수확한 절화의 수명이 5.2-5.5일 연장되었다. 그러나, 개화 1단계부터 3단계까지의 절화들은 개화 4-6단계보다 생체중이 낮았을 뿐만 아니라 화경도 1.3-2.5cm 더 작았다. 또한 개화 4-6단계의 절화는 개화 1-3단계의 절화에 비해 상대적으로 흡수량이 많은 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 일본 수출용 '백마'는 설상화의 개화상태와 품질을 고려한다면 개화 4단계의 절화를 <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX> 조건에서 수송하는 것이 가장 바람직하다고 판단되었다. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of shipping temperature and harvesting stage on the quality and vase life of cut flower in standard chrysanthemum 'Baekma' for export. Cut flowers harvested at flowering stage 4 were stored for 24 hours at <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX>, and then quality and vase life were evaluated after simulated shipping for 48 hours at 5, 20, and <TEX>$35^{\circ}C$</TEX>. In addition, cut flowers harvested in flowering stage 1 to stage 6 were evaluated after simulated shipping for 72 hours at <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX>. As shipping temperature increased, <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> concentration inside the box rapidly increased, and <TEX>$O_2$</TEX> concentration greatly decreased. The vase life of cut flowers was extended by 3 days and chlorophyll content of leaves, fresh weight, solution uptake, and flower diameter were better maintained in <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX> shipping than in 20 or <TEX>$35^{\circ}C$</TEX> shipping. The vase life of cut flowers harvested at flowering stage 1 or 2 was extended by 5.2 or 5.5 days compared to those harvested at flowering stage 6, more 6. The fresh weight was lower and flower diameter was smaller by 1.3 or 2.5 cm in cut flowers of flowering stages 1 through 3 than flowering stages 4 through 6. In addition, the cut flowers of flowering stages 4 through 6 showed higher solution uptake than those of flowering stages 1 through 3. These results suggest that shipping at <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX> of cut flowers harvested at flowering stage 4 is preferential for promoting vase life and quality of cut flower in standard chrysanthemum 'Baekma' for export to Japan.

超長命性でかつエチレン低感受性のカーネーション系統 806-46b の選抜

As the vase life of cut flowers is one of the most commercially important characteristics, genetic improvement of this trait is very desirable. Therefore, we started a breeding research program in 1992 to improve the vase life of flowers in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) using conventional cross-breeding techniques. We repeatedly crossed and selected promising progeny for three generations, from 2003 to 2010, in order to select lines that exhibit extremely long vase life and low ethylene sensitivity. In 2010, we finally selected a line, 806-46b, with both ultra-long vase life and ethylene resistance out of 50 progeny derived from a cross between 606-65S and 609-63S. The mean vase life of line 806-46b was 27.1 days (444% the value of a control cultivar, ‘White Sim’) at 23°C and 70% RH under a 12-h photoperiod, without chemical treatment, which was the longest vase life among the 6 cultivars and 7 lines tested. Line 806-46b also showed reduced ethylene sensitivity. The response time to 10 μL·L–1 ethylene of this line was 21.8 h, whereas that of ‘White Sim’ was 5.8 h. Line 806-46b did not show brownish discoloration of petal edges during senescence, which was a typical senescence symptom of other selected lines with low ethylene production, when the flower lost its ornamental value. Instead, its petals exhibited gradual reduction of surface turgor by moisture loss as senescence proceeded. This unique senescence pattern is shared by our previously reported line 532-6 with an ultra-long vase life. Line 806-46b showed extremely low ethylene production at senescence, which was also true after ACC treatment. Exogenous ethylene treatment to flowers of this line induced ethylene production without petal wilting, indicating that autocatalytic ethylene production functions normally.

ピリジンジカルボン酸は既知の老化抑制作用に加えて開花促進作用によってもスプレーカーネーション‘ライ トピンクバーバラ’の切り花の観賞期間を延長する

ピリジンジカルボン酸は既知の老化抑制作用に加えて開花促進作用によってもスプレーカーネーション‘ライ トピンクバーバラ’の切り花の観賞期間を延長する

Effect of exogenous hydrogen peroxide or ascorbic acid on senescence in cut flowers of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.)

SUMMARYTree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) ‘Luoyang Red’ cut flowers were placed in separate vases filled with distilled water after pre-treatment with distilled water, 0.01 M H2O2, or 0.01 M ascorbic acid (ASA) for 12 h. We measured several morphological indices and physiological changes in the branches of flowers in each vase. H2O2 treatment accelerated the flowering and wilting of cut flowers of tree peony. The average vase-life was 3.0 d, which was 1.0 d shorter than that of the untreated control group (4.0 d; P≤ 0.05). The maximum flower diameter was 14.0 cm, which was 0.7 cm larger on average than that of the control group (13.3 cm). Exogenous H2O2 also significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in petals by 12.2%, 14.4%, and 11.5%, respectively. Exogenous ASA treatment extended the average vase-life of cut flowers of tree peony to 4.8 d, which was 0.8 d longer than that of the control group. This treatment also improved the uptake of water by flower branches and increased the maximum flower diameter (15.0 cm), which was 1.7 cm larger than that of the control group. Exogenous ASA reduced average SOD activities and MDA concentrations in petals by 7.9% and 6.7%, respectively. These findings showed that senescence in cut flowers of tree peony was closely related to membrane lipid peroxidation in the petals, and that exogenous anti-oxidants such as ASA could delay senescence in cut flowers of tree peony and improve their quality.

보존용액, 저장온도, 포장방법에 따른 절화 장미 ‘Vital’의 품질변화

The effect of holding solution, storage temperature, and package method on vase life of cut ‘Vital’ rose (Rosa hybrida L.) were investigated. The vase life of ‘Vital’ rose flowers held in a holding solution were much longer than those held in distilled water. The vase life of cut flowers held in 200 mg·L-1 DF-100 + 3% sucrose, 2% Hwajung were 5 days longer than those held in distilled water. Rose flowers were held in PE film package or water swab package at 10°C or 20°C for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 days of storage. The vase life of cut flowers stored at 10°C is better than storage at 0~4°C in order to low keep cost and preserve the fine effects of the cut flowers. This dry storage at 10°C was shown to be effective in extending the vase life in the PE film package. Wet storage at 10°C after water swab treatment (200 mg·L-1 DF-100 + 3% sucrose) extended the vase life of cut flowers. Dry storage at 20°C was shown to be effective in appreciative value for 2 days then, markedly showed wilting. The vase life of cut flowers treated water swab at 20°C was shown to be effective for 4 days. However, the vase life of cut flowers pakaged in holding solution swab at 20°C was shown to be effective until 2 days. The vase life of cut flowers stored at 10°C was confirmed to be effective in dry PE film and the tap water swab package. Therefore, room temperature in a dry state distributors should be within 2 days. Keywords: Dry storage, PE film package, Water swab package, Wilting

Standardization of foliar nutrients (NPK) spray in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) varieties under protected condition

The present experiment entitled, standardization of foliar nutrients (NPK) spray in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) varieties under protected condition was carried out under polyhouse, at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during 2013. The experiment consisted of three varieties with five levels of fertilizers and it was laid out in Factorial Completely Randomized Design Design with three replications. The results of present investigation on vegetative growth parameters revealed that variety Don Pedro Rapido with nutrient level 6000 N: 4000 P2O5: 2000 K2O ppm recorded highest plant height, fresh and dry weight of plant, internodes per stem and internodal length, harvesting span, fresh and dry weight of single cut flower, number of petals per flower, vase life of cut flower, in-situ longevity of flower, length of flower stalk, number of flowers per plant, m2 and hectare, minimum days taken to flower bud initiation, open of first flower. Whereas, only stalk thickness were observed in variety Madame Colette with 6000 N: 4000 P2O5: 2000 K2O ppm treatment.

Effects of humic acid derived from sediments on the postharvest vase life extension in cut chrysanthemum flowers

Previous research has shown that humic acid can extend the vase life of cut flowers. However, the mechanisms responsible for this effect are unclear. In this study, the physiological mechanisms of foliar humic acid fertilizer on cut chrysanthemum flower postharvest vase life were investigated. Seedlings of chrysanthemum were sprayed with the same volume of distilled H2O, inorganic NPK fertilizer and organic foliar humic acid fertilizer every 15 days (15, 30, 45, 60 days after transplanting).The results showed that foliar application of humic acid improved the chlorophyll content, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), contents of soluble sugars and soluble protein in the leaves of chrysanthemum, and increased the flower size, fresh weight, vase life, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in cut chrysanthemum flowers.It was concluded that the responses of the foliar humic acid fertilizer on postharvest vase life extension of cut chrysanthemum flowers could be related with the higher chlorophyll content, Pn, contents of soluble sugars and soluble protein in the leaves, the greater flower size, fresh weight, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and the lower MDA content in cut chrysanthemum flowers.

2-Aminooxyisobutyric acid inhibits the in vitro activities of both 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase and ACC oxidase in ethylene biosynthetic pathway and prolongs vase life of cut carnation flowers

2-Aminooxyisobutyric acid (AOIB) has a partial structure of aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) in its whole structure, and resembles 2-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) in their tetrahedral structures. Both AOA and AIB are inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis; AOA inhibits the action of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase and AIB inhibits that of ACC oxidase. The present study showed that AOIB inhibited the in vitro activities of both ACC synthase and ACC oxidase, which were synthesized heterologously in E. coli cells from corresponding carnation cDNAs, and the magnitudes of inhibition were similar to those caused by AOA and AIB; AOIB and AOA at 0.1 mM inhibited ACC synthase action by 75%, and AOIB and AIB at 10 mM inhibited ACC oxidase action by 16.3 and 22.5%, respectively. AOIB at 1 mM caused 91.5% reduction of maximum ethylene production rate as compared to the control in cut ‘Excerea’ carnation flowers undergoing senescence, thereby lengthening their vase life to 7 d from 3 d of the control flowers. The inhibition by AOIB was probably caused by its action resembling AOA, but not AIB. AOIB also extended significantly the vase life of cut flowers of ‘Pax’ carnation, and tended to do so in ‘Primero Mango’ carnation. The present findings suggest the potential of AOIB as a new preservative for carnations and other ornamentals in which ethylene plays a key role in the induction of senescence.

Increase in DNA fragmentation and the role of ethylene and reactive oxygen species in petal senescence of Osmanthus fragrans

In sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans Lour.) flowers, petal browning, partial abscission and wilting are the visible symptoms of senescence, 4–5 days after flowering, which seriously affect its ornamental and economic value. In the present study, DNA fragmentation was used as a marker to investigate the role of ethylene and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in flower senescence of O. fragrans ‘Liuye Jingui’. In intact plants, nuclear shrinkage and DNA fragmentation occurred at the late full flowering stage when senescence symptoms became visible. This coincided with a rapid increase in ethylene production, ROS generation and lipid peroxidation. To further determine the role of ethylene and ROS in flower senescence, cut flowers were treated with ethephon, silver thiosulphate (STS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and vitamin C (Vc). The vase life of cut flowers was significantly prolonged by 0.2mM STS and 2.5mM Vc treatments, but reduced by 0.03% H2O2 and 500mgL−1 ethephon treatments, compared to distilled water. The percentage of DNA fragmentation was dramatically increased by ethephon but reduced by STS treatment throughout vase life. In contrast, the dramatic increase of DNA fragmentation in the H2O2 treated samples was only observed at day three, and clear petal abscission and rapid petal wilting occurred only with ethephon. Compared with the distinguishable nuclei and complete vacuoles in both STS treatment and distilled water, ethephon treatment caused substantial damage to large central vacuoles and other organelles, and many petal cells twisted out of shape due to a loss of cytoplasm, resulting in rapid petal wilting. Thus, it is concluded that ethylene plays an important role in flower senescence of sweet osmanthus, enhancing DNA fragmentation, damaging cellular structure, and leading to petal abscission and wilting. In addition, ROS is also involved in the regulation of late DNA degradation and lipid peroxidation.

2,4-Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid Prolongs the Vase Life of Cut Flowers of Spray Carnations

2,4-Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid Prolongs the Vase Life of Cut Flowers of Spray Carnations

Effect of growth regulators on growth and flowering of China aster [Callistephus chinensis(L.) Nees.]-A review

China aster is a half hardy annual grown for loose as well as cutflowers which are used for flower arrangement, interior decoration, garlanding, worshipping etc. It can be grown in herbaceous borders, flower beds, garden decoration and also as potted plant. Growth regulators play an important role in morphology and physiology of the plants and their effect varies with plant, species, variety, concentration used, method of application, frequency of applications etc. In china aster different growth regulators viz., GA3, NAA, CCC, MH and Paclobutrazol are used either for inducing or retarding growth parameters which ultimately results in better quality and increased flower yield also enhancing the vase life of cut flowers. Spraying of GA3 at 200 ppm enhanced the duration of flowering (90.33), number of flowers per plant (68.54), diameter (4.86 cm), flower weight (3.26 g), flower yield per plant (111.2 g) and vase life (22.88 days). Among growth regulators foliar application of CCC at 1500 ppm recorded the highest flower yield and also flower quality parameters. Soil drench of paclobutrazol at 200 ppm delayed flowering, while early flowering was observed with 25 ppm. Application of MH at 1000 ppm resulted in minimum plant height, inter nodal length, number of leaves per plant and leaf area in china aster.

Improvement of Vase Life and Postharvest Factors of &lt;i&gt;Lilium orientalis&lt;/i&gt; ‘Bouquet’ by Silver Nano Particles

Lily is one of the prominent cut flowers on the international markets, so that its longevity is an important post-storage attribute. Blockage of xylem vessels and insufficient water uptake contributes to the short vase life of cut flowers. Bacteria block stem xylem vessels and because of that reduce rates of water supply to flowers. Nano silver has antimicrobial effects at low concentration. Prolongation of vase life cut lilies (L. orientalis ‘Bouquet’) flowers by nano-silver particles was studied. Cut flowers were kept in vase containing 5, 15, 25, 30 ppm of nano-silver solutions and deionized water as control treatment under controlled conditions. During vase period, vase life, vase solution uptake, initial fresh and bacterial numbers were measured. According to the results, all nano-silver treatments extended the longevity of cut flowers compare to control. Among these treatments the concentration of 30 ppm of silver-nano showed the highest vase solution uptake, initial fresh weight and lowest bacteria colony during the first 2 days of vase life. It was concluded that nano silver particles had a high potential for eliminating of bacterial contaminants. These for suggest that application of solutions containing superior advantageous of nano-silver particles is recommended to improve postharvest of L. orientalis ‘Bouquet’.

Postharvest water quality affects vase life of cut Dendranthema, Dianthus, Helianthus, and Zinnia

Water quality can have a significant impact on the vase life of cut flowers. The effects of vase solution pH and electrical conductivity (EC) on the vase life and postharvest characteristics of Dendranthema L. ‘Naru Lavender’, Dianthus L. ‘Burgundy Sangria’, Helianthus L. ‘Sunbright’, and Zinnia L. ‘Benary's Giant Scarlet’ were investigated. Vase life of Dendranthema increased to 14.6d in acidic solutions from 6.1d for distilled water. Solution uptake of cut Dendranthema was also greater in acidic solutions (94mL) compared to distilled water (76mL). There was no significant difference in vase life of Dendranthema when solution EC ranged from 0.50dSm−1 (21.7d) to 4.00dSm−1 (19.3d) of NaCl; however, all solutions with NaCl resulted in a longer vase life than distilled water. For Dianthus the use of buffers to alter pH reduced vase life from 24.4d for the non-buffered control to 19.9d for the citrate buffered solutions, but no effect of actual pH was noted. Additionally, increasing the EC from 0.00 to 4.00dSm−1 decreased vase life by 10d. Cut Zinnia stems were not influenced by solution pH, but as EC increased from 0.00 to 4.00dSm−1 vase life decreased from 10.6 to 6.8d. Helianthus vase life was not affected by EC, but decreasing pH increased vase life by 1.1d when stems were held in acidic solutions compared to basic solutions. The use of commercial holding solution reduced the negative effects of high EC on salt-sensitive Dendranthema, Dianthus, and Zinnia and increased solution uptake. For Dendranthema vase life was 24.6d when held in preservative at an EC of 2.50dSm−1, while it was reduced to 17.4d without preservative at the same EC. For Helianthus, solutions with preservative had a solution uptake 10mL greater than solutions without preservative. In general, stems with longer vase lives also had a high incidence of necrotic leaves and petals, petal wilt and bent neck. In conclusion, each species had unique reactions to the vase solution treatments, but the general effects were consistent: high solution pH or EC or the use of buffers either had no effect or reduced vase life and the use of floral preservatives increased vase life.

Postharvest characteristics of cut dahlia flowers with a focus on ethylene and effectiveness of 6-benzylaminopurine treatments in extending vase life

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.

The Role of Soluble Sugars in Vase Solutions during the Vase Life of Eustoma grandiflorum

The vase life of Eustoma cut flowers can be extended by adding sugars to the vase solution, but the exact role of sugars and how they are translocated in tissues are not clear. Thus, we observed the preserving effect of different sugars in vase solutions on Eustoma and compared sugar concentrations in vase solutions and in the flowers as well as stems and leaves of cut flowers in a solution containing 200 mg·L−1 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8-HQS) with and without 20 g·L−1 sucrose during different flowering stages. Inclusion of glucose, fructose, or sucrose in the vase solution extended the vase life of cut flowers with no significant differences among sugar types. During flower opening, the concentration of added sucrose in the vase solution dropped, and the fresh weight (FW), glucose concentration, and sucrose concentration of flowers in sucrose solutions increased, whereas flowers in solutions without sucrose had lower FW and glucose concentrations. During flower senescence, sugar concentration in the vase solution did not change much, but the FW and sucrose concentrations in all flowers declined, although the FW of sucrose-treated flowers fell more slowly. For stems and leaves in the sucrose solution, sugar concentrations increased during the first 7 days with only glucose slightly declining during senescence, whereas the FW was maintained during the entire vase life. In contrast, FWs of those in the solution without sucrose gradually declined. In conclusion, sucrose in the vase solution promoted flower opening and maintained the water balance of Eustoma cut flowers. Glucose and fructose also extended the vase life, likely in similar ways.

Post-Harvest Physiology and Technology in Orchids

Orchids account for a large share of global floriculture trade and are estimated around 10% of international fresh cut flower trade. They have taken a significant position in cut flower industry due to its attractiveness, diversity in forms, shape and color, high productivity, right season of bloom, and easy packing and transportation. Postharvest life of orchid cut flowers is influenced by pre-harvest factors like varietal or species differences, light intensity, sugar level of flowers, temperature and water loss. It is also affected by harvest factors such as time and stage of harvest and postharvest factors viz. ethylene production, precooling, pulsing, use of preservatives, packaging and storage. The hybrids of Dendrobium, Vanda and Mokara remain perfect from 7 days to 30 days. The flowers of Cattleya and Phalaenopsis remain fresh for 1 to 4 weeks whereas Aranda lasts for 18 to 28 days. Higher sugar levels of flowers improve longevity of cut flowers. The optimum harvesting stage of commercial orchids is fully open and mature flowers. In Cymbidium hyb. ‘PCMV’, harvest at two buds opened stage had maximum vase life (66.8 days). Ethylene is the main factor responsible for early senescence. In Cymbidium hybrid ‘Red Princess’ pulsing with 5% sucrose increases vase life upto 56 days. Pulsing with 4 mM STS for 10 minutes in Aranda and 0.5 mM STS for 24 hours in Phalaenopsis blocks the deleterious effect of ethylene. In tropical orchids like Dendrobium and Oncidium, AgNO3 (10-30 ppm) and HQS (50-100 ppm) extends vase life and bud opening of cut flowers. In Cymbidium, 1-MCP and AVG are superior to STS in prolonging the vase life of cut flowers. In Cymbidium ‘PCMV’, highest per cent of fully opened buds (75%) and maximum vase life (45 days) were recorded with the chemical combination of sugar 4% + salicylic acid 200 ppm. In orchids, cut spikes are inserted in tube containing water or water with preservatives and bunch of 5 or more or individual spikes are placed inside the CFB box in alternate fashion. Cool growing orchids are stored at lower temperature even at 5°C in cold chambers whereas tropical and subtropical orchids are stored at 7-10°C and 90-95% relative humidity.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE BACTERIA FOR THE VASE LIFE OF CUT GERBERA FLOWERS?

The vase life of cut flowers is mainly determined by the rate of development (including senescence), water relations (water uptake and transpiration) and Botrytis infection. Here we present the effect of temperature on the growth rate of bacteria and the fresh weight development of cut gerbera flowers. This is accomplished by controlling the vase water temperature independently from the air temperature. Air and water temperature combinations used were 15/15, 15/22, 15/28, 22/4, 22/22, 22/28, and 28/28?C (air/water). In order to have the same transpiration rate, the water vapour deficit was kept at 0.92 kPa at all air temperatures. Other factors studied were the effect of cultivar and of a bactericide in the vase water. Bacteria numbers in the vase water were measured during vase life as well as fresh weight of the flowers. Water temperature and cultivar greatly affected the growth rate of bacteria. The effect of cultivar was correlated to the amount of sugars that were leaking out of gerbera flower stems into the vase water. Although the various treatments (water temperature, cultivar, and bactericide) affected the growth rate of bacteria, there was not always a clear correlation with fresh weight loss of the flowers. Vase life was mainly affected by air temperature

بررسی تاثیر رقم ، تراکم بوته و محلول پاشی عناصر غذایی بر خصوصیات کمی و کیفی گل ، پیاز و عمر پس از برداشت گل شاخه بریده لیلیوم

In order the study the effects of cultivar, foliar fertilization and plant density on quantitative and qualitative traits and vase life of cut lilium a split plot factorial experiment with three replications was carried out. Foliar fertilization as the first factor included different concentrations of a complete fertilizer (Foster fertilization + Ammonium nitrate) and had four levels (0, 2000, 4000 and 6000pm) and was located in main plots. Cultivar and plant density each had two levels and factorial combinations of them were located in sub–plots. Cultivars used in this study were Arcolano and Coca and were planted with densities of (20×15 and 30×25 cm). At the end of growth period, traits such as bulb weight, plant height, chlorophyll content of leaf, vase life of cut flower, number of flower per plant and Macro-and micro nutrients contents of leaf were measured. The result of analysis of variance showed that the effects of foliar fertilization were significant on plant height, vase life of cut flower and N, P and K contents of leaf. Foliar fertilization lilium with concentration of 4000 ppm created the height vase life of cut flower. The effects of cultivar were significant an all measured traits except on vase life of cut flower and P and Zn contents of leaf. The Arcolano cultivar was superior to Conca cultivar in respects to the measured traits. The effects of plant density were significant only on K and Fe contents of leaf. But plant density of 30× 25 had higher bulb and flower yield and quality. The results of this study indicate that for increasing yield and quality of cut lilium planting of Arcolano cultivar, with density of 30×25 cm and foliar fertilization of lilium plant with a complete fertilizer (Foster fertilizer + Ammonium nitrate) with concentration of 4000 ppm is recommended.