Senescence and Postharvest Physiology of Cut Flowers, Part 1

Improving Postharvest Vase-Life and Quality of Cut Gerbera Flowers Using Natural and Chemical Preservatives

“…Studies revealed that preservative solution supplemented with sucrose increased stem mechanical rigidity by instigating cell wall thickening and lignifications of vascular tissues (Steinitz, 1982). Besides, it antagonizes the effect of ABA, which promotes senescence (Halevy and Mayak, 1979). Considering the aforementioned explanations, the efficacy of BA and GA3 on cut gerbera flower fresh weight is likely owing to its antagonistic property toward ABA and senescence delaying as well.…”

Effect of Different Chemicals on the Microbial Growth during Vase Life Period of Cut Rose cv. ‘First Red’

“…However, sucrose applied in the vase solution along with other compounds increased the vase life, perhaps by increasing the pool of dry matter and respirable substrate, lowering the osmotic potential of petals (Halevy and Mayak, 1979), promoting respiration (Coorts, 1973) also might have delayed the auto catalytic rise in ethylene production, thus extending the longevity. The extended longevity of SHC 20 + Ca(NO 3 ) 2 250 was mainly due to their effect of preventing the vascular blockage of the stem and partial substitution for metabolic sugars by calcium nitrate (Halevy, 1976;Mayak et al,1978).…”

“…Longevity was consistently improved in cut roses with the addition of germicides (Marousky, 1969;van Doorn and Perik, 1990) in vase water. Optimal postharvest life of cut flowers is often improved by using suitable vase solutions (Halevy andMayak, 1979 and1981). An effective flower food i.e., a preservative solution should contain three basic components to extend the life of cut flowers.…”

Effects of ethylene on the postharvest quality of inflorescences of Oncidium varicosum Samurai

“…At 4 DVL, the inflorescences sprayed with Ethrel in the 100 μL L -1 concentration presented soluble carbohydrate content in the petals of 12.58 g of glucose per 100 g -1 of fresh mass, and more than 50% of the flowers old, culminating in a shelf life end. Orchid flowers are particularly sensitive to ethylene (Halevy and Mayak, 1981), as the ethylene production is an autocatalytic process, greater quantities of this substance can be produced once they are put together with other senescent flowers (Hew, 1994). The Ethrel concentrations of 1 and 10 μL L -1 and control presented soluble carbohydrate content similar to those from 11 DVL, what can indicate that the exposition to ethylene concentrations of 1 and 10 μL L -1 , for the experimental conditions, were less damaging.…”