ISHS Acta Horticulturae 699: I International Symposium on Improving the Performance of Supply Chains in the Transitional Economies
PRE-STORAGE LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY TREATMENT FOR THE REDUCTION OF FUNGAL POPULATIONS ON THE PERIANTH SURFACE OF CUT CARNATIONS |
| Authors: | K. Fujiwara, K. Watanabe, M. Iimoto |
| Keywords: | bud cut flower, flower bud opening, fungi, physical treatment, storage |
| Abstract:
The effect of pre-storage low relative humidity (PLRH) treatment on fungal populations on the perianth surface of standard ‘Nelson’ red carnations cut at the bud stage was investigated. PLRH treatment was conducted by placing bud-cut carnations for 12, 24, or 36 hours in a container maintained at 42 ± 3% relative humidity and 4.0 ± 0.5°C. Fungal populations on the perianth surface (FPPS) immediately after PLRH treatment was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in the non-treated control regardless of the duration of treatment. When measured following 30 days storage at 4.0 ± 0.5°C, FPPS tended to decrease as the PLRH treatment duration increased up to 24 hours. In contrast, following 30 days of storage, there was no significant difference (P < 0.05) between various durations of PLRH in the flower opening angle or vase life. When measured immediately after PLRH, the fresh weight percentage decreased slightly as the treatment duration increased. These results indicate that PLRH for 24 or 36 hours contributes to the suppression of FPPS without an adverse effect on carnation flower quality. | |
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