ISHS Acta Horticulturae 138: Postharvest Physiology and Storage, XXI IHC
PERFORMANCE OF CUT 'SONIA' ROSES AS AFFECTED BY STEM COOLING |
| Authors: | H.C.M. de Stigter, A.G.M. Broekhuysen |
| Abstract:
Fresh weight and waterbalance were favourably affected by placing the stem bases of cut roses in tap water of 0 °C, with leaves and bloom exposed to normal environmental conditions. Limiting the cold treatment, by means of an adjustable cooling block, to the lowermost 2 ½ cm of stem, including the very cut surface, turned out to be definitely better than cooling a 5 cm portion a little higher up the stem, leaving the cut surface exposed to the ambient temperature. In 0 °C-treated stems the resistance to water flow increased less rapidly than it did at 20 °C, especially in the lowest stem part. These findings are discussed in relation to the 'vascular occlusion' concept. No unequivocal conclusion is reached; yet, this much is evident that some process occurring at the cut surface of the stem plays an essential role. | |
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