ISHS Acta Horticulturae 261: IV International Symposium on Postharvest Physiology of Ornamental Plants
EFFECT OF ETHYLENE EXPOSURE, TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT INTENSITY ON KEEPING QUALITY OF BEGONIA X CHEIMANTHA |
| Author: | T. Fjeld |
| Abstract:
The effect of ethylene was studied on Begonia x cheimantha (Christmas Begonia). Plants were exposed to 0.15 μl l-1 ethylene in growth chambers for 3, 6 or 11 days at various photon flux densities (14, 50 or 140 μmol m-2s-1) and temperatures (15, 18 or 21°C). After ethylene exposure, the plants were held in a simulated interior climate (50–60% relative humidity, 20–21°C and 14 μmol m-2s-1) for two weeks. The results show that ethylene, high temperature and long exposure period enhanced abscission of flower buds and flowers. Light intensity had no significant effect. After two weeks in the simulated interior climate, ethylene, temperature and length of exposure still affected the decorative value of the plants. In addition, high light intensity during the ethylene exposure was found to promote the recovery of the plants significantly. | |
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