No abstract

Research was conducted to investigate the relationship between flower respiration and flower longevity as well as to assess the possibility of using miniature rose (Rosa hybrida L.) flower respiration as an indicator of potential flower longevity. Using several miniature rose cultivars as a source of variation, four experiments were conducted throughout the year to study flower respiration and flower longevity under interior conditions. For plants under greenhouse as well as interior conditions, flower respiration was assessed on one flower per plant, from end-of-production (sepals beginning to separate) up to 8 days after anthesis. Interior conditions were 21 ± 1 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity with a 12-hour photoperiod of 12 μmol·m-2·s-1 (photosynthetically active radiation). Flower respiration was higher if the plants were produced during spring/summer as compared to fall/winter. `Meidanclar', `Schobitet', and `Meilarco' miniature roses had higher flower respiration rates than `Meijikatar' and `Meirutral'. These two cultivars with the lowest respiration rates showed much greater flower longevity if grown during spring/summer as compared to fall/winter. The three cultivars with the higher respiration rates did not show differences in flower longevity between seasons. For plants under greenhouse or interior conditions, flower respiration was negatively correlated with longevity in spring/summer but a positive correlation between these parameters was found in fall/winter. During spring/summer, flower respiration rate appears to be a good indicator of potential metabolic rate, and flowers with low respiration rates last longer.

No abstract

The effect of continuous injection of exogenous sucrose on single flower postproduction longevity of attached flowers of potted 'Meijikatar' miniature roses was studied. At bud showing color, with sepals starting to unfold, plants were moved to interior conditions and started being continuously injected with a solution of 3% sucrose or distilled water. Carbohydrate levels, flower respiration and single flower longevity were assessed. The method presented some variability in the amounts of solution supplied to the plants. Infusion of exogenous sucrose increased attached miniature rose flower longevity by 1.5 days and also increased flower respiration rate. The higher the uptake rate of sucrose solution the longer the flowers lasted. Exogenously supplied sucrose was consumed by increased respiration and consequently, at day 6 after anthesis, no differences were found in nonstructural carbohydrate levels between water and sucrose treatments. However, stem percent of soluble sugars was

13 14The aims of this work were to deepen the knowledge on the physiology of bract 15 abscission in Bougainvillea spectabilis 'Killie Campbell' plants, in