SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF THE CUT SURFACE OF ROSA ‘KARDINAL’ INFLUENCED BY VASE WATER COMPOSITION

**SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF THE CUT SURFACE OF ROSA ‘KARDINAL’ INFLUENCED BY VASE WATER COMPOSITION**

Authors:	D.J. Durkin, H. M.C. Put
Abstract: Acidification of the vase water of Rosa ‘Kardinal’ with a phosphate/citrate buffer of pH 3,0 decreased the accumulation of microparticles and particulate matter at the base of the stem, thus enhancing water uptake, bud development and ornamental value of the flowers. The effect of acidification to pH 3.0 was also demonstrated when microbial cells, except mould species, were added to the vase TAP vase water. Millipore (MP) filtration (0.47 /um pore) of the TAP enhanced the effect of pH 3.0, yet microparticle accumulation could not be prevented totally, and could be obtained by the application of DI-MP TAP vase water of pH 3.0. The latex red test is useful for quick evaluation of stem base microparticle accumulation. SEM observation is necessary to clarify particle accumulation at the base of the stem.
Full Text (PDF format, 155230 bytes) Citation Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files)