EFFECT OF ETHEPHON AND SILVER THIOSULPHATE ON POSTHARVEST CHARACTERISTICS OF INFLORESCENCES OF SEVERAL LUPINUS SPECIES

Long, attractive and brightly colored inflorescences of several lupines have considerable potential for the cut flower industry. However, postharvest performance of lupine racemes depends on abscission and senescence of flowers as well as on the extent of ethylene sensitivity, which varies widely both within and among species. This report evaluates the effects of ethephon (CEPA) and silver thiosulphate (STS) on postharvest characteristics of cut inflorescences of several lupine species (Lupinus cruickshankii, L. densiflorus, L. havardii, L. hartwegii, L. luteus and L. succulentus). Among species tested, inflorescences of L. succulentus exhibited the highest sensitivity to CEPA in the vase solution, while L. densiflorus and L. luteus inflorescenes were the least responsive. CEPA induced abscission of flowers in L. cruickshankii, L. havardii and L. succulentus, but not in L. densiflorus and L. luteus, although effects were apparent on flower senescence. Pretreatment with STS by and large prevented the effect of CEPA on flower abscission and, depending on the species and the concentration used, also modulated flower senescence.

VII International Symposium on Postharvest Physiology of Ornamental Plants

W.A. Mackay, T.D. Davis, N. Sankhla

ethephon, flower abscission, flower senescence, Lupinus spp., postharvest performance, silver thiosulphate.

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2001.543.7