ISHS Acta Horticulturae 543: VII International Symposium on Postharvest Physiology of Ornamental Plants
LATE-SEASON APPLICATIONS OF MEDIA SURFACTANT IMPROVE WATER RETENTION AND TIME TO WILT DURING POSTPRODUCTION |
| Authors: | J.B. Million, J.E. Barrett, T.A. Nell |
| Abstract:
Several trials were conducted to compare the efficacy of preplant media surfactant treatments with treatment applications made at the end of production on wilting and water retention of potted plants in postproduction. Media pretreatment with PsiMatric (Aquatrols, NJ) at 116 mL.m-3 (3 fl. oz.yd-3) had no effect on wilting or water retention of Impatiens wallerana (10-cm pots) or Dendranthema grandiflora (13-cm pots) in postproduction. A 600 ppm PsiMatric drench applied one day before shipping delayed postproduction wilting of impatiens 33% (3.6 vs. 2.7 day) and increased water retention 129% (172 vs. 75 mL/pot). The same treatment delayed wilting of chrysanthemum 64% (8.7 vs. 5.3 day) and increased water retention 230% (199 vs. 60 mL/pot). A 1200 ppm drench applied one week before shipping was required to achieve the same effect as a 600 ppm drench applied one day before shipping. Daily applications of 150 ppm PsiMatric in irrigation water during the last week of production were as effective as a 600 ppm drench applied one day before shipping in delaying wilt and increasing water retention after wilt for Petunia hybrida (10-cm pots). | |
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