ISHS Acta Horticulturae 543: VII International Symposium on Postharvest Physiology of Ornamental Plants
EFFECTS OF RETAIL HYDRATION ON WATER UPTAKE AND QUALITY OF ‘MADAME DELBARD’ ROSES AFTER LONG TERM TRANSPORT |
| Authors: | A. Suzuki, R.T. Leonard, T.A. Nell, J.E. Barrett, D.G. Clark |
| Keywords: | postharvest, Rosa, vase life |
| Abstract:
‘Madame Delbard’ roses were imported to the USA from Colombia after a 5-6 day transport time. Stems were hydrated with a commercially available hydration solution for one hour to simulate retail conditions then placed in a floral preservative. Water uptake was monitored during the hydration period and every 24 hours until stem death. A non-hydrated control was also included. Stems were maintained at 21°C at a light level of 10 mmol m-2 s-1 (12 hours/day). Hydration solution temperatures of 2°C and 43°C were also examined. No effect of hydration was found on daily water uptake. Hydrating stems increased cumulative water uptake by 19% compared to non-hydrated stems, but was not significantly different. This increase in water uptake did not relate to vase life or quality. Stems lasted an average of 9 days and there were no differences in flower opening or leaf quality. Stems took up 40% more solution when hydrated at the higher temperature after the first hour but no differences were found in cumulative water uptake, vase life or quality. | |
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