Lee J S; Kim Y A; Sin Y M 1995

• Authors: Lee J S; Kim Y A; Sin Y M
• Title: Effects of harvesting stage, preservative, and storage method on vase life and flower quality of cut snapdragon. [Korean]
• Location: Journal of the Korean Society for Horticultural Science 36(6). 1995. 926-942.
• Abstract: To investigate the effects of harvesting stages, preservative solutions, and storage methods on vase life and flower quality of cut snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus), 'Fujinoyuki' snapdragons were harvested at three different stages, and pulsed with silver thiosulfate (STS), and then held in several preservative solutions or stored at 1 degree C. The best harvesting time was when seven to nine florets per spike were opened. The flowers harvested at this stage increased fresh weight and number of opened florets per spike, and extended vase life compared to those harvested at earlier stages. Pulsing with 0.2 mM STS for 16 hours improved flower quality and prolonged vase life. The preservative solution containing 2% sucrose + 150 ppm 8-hydroxyquinoline citrite (HQC) + 25 ppm AgNO-3 prolonged vase life and increased number of opened florets per spike and flower size. However, this solution caused longer internode between florets and excessive elongation of spike tip. The addition of 50 ppm butanedioic acid mono(2,2-dimethylhydrazide) (daminozide) to this preservative solution improved flower quality by prolonging vase life, reducing the length of internode between florets, and preventing excessive elongation of spike. The flowers held in the solution containing 33% soda water had 2 times prolonged vase life compared to water control. Ethylene caused floret abscission but STS pretreatment prevented floret abscission. Ethylene production in cut snapdragons maintained 2-6 nl/g fw/hr during vase life in all treatments. After the exposure of cut snapdragon to 5 ppm ethylene for 24 hours, they did not increase ethylene production during vase life. Snapdragons pretreated with STS and then held in preservative solution during cold (1 degree C) storage had good flower quality and long vase life.