POSTHARVEST TREATMENT OF GERBERA JAMESONII

The effects of each component of a flower preservative solution on the longevity of cut inflorescences of 3 cultivars of Gerbera jamesonii were studied.

Stem break was prevented and longevity of cut inflorescences was increased by using a preservative solution containing an antimicrobial agent, an acidifying agent, and sucrose applied either continuously or as a pulsing treatment.
The pulsing treatment was especially beneficial.
When it was used, flowers could be stored dry at room temperature for 1 or 2 days without affecting their vase life.

The use of a pre-treatment wetting agent gave results comparable to those obtained by heating the pulsing solution to 43°C. Although the 3 cultivars responded differently according to their anatomical and morphological characteristics, the use of the proper postharvest treatments increased the vase life of each.

III International Symposium on Postharvest Physiology of Ornamentals

H. Abdel-Kader, Marlin N. Rogers

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1986.181.20