THIDIAZURON, A NON-METABOLIZED CYTOKININ, SHOWS PROMISE IN EXTENDING THE LIFE OF POTTED PLANTS

Application of low concentrations of thidiazuron (N-phenyl-N’-1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl urea, TDZ) has been shown to be a very effective means of delaying leaf yellowing in cut flowers such as alstroemeria, stock, lilies and tulips.
We examined the possible use of this compound for delaying leaf yellowing in a range of potted plants, including geranium, freesia, Ornithogalum, and Euphorbia fulgens. Spray treatments with 2 to 10 μM TDZ at the end of the production cycle had significant, sometimes spectacular effects on the postharvest performance of most species studied.
In addition to a considerable delay in leaf yellowing and/or abscission in most species tested, TDZ application improved display performance in a number of species.
In geranium, for example, the individual florets on TDZ-treated plants had a significantly longer life than those on control plants.
In E. fulgens, flowers lasted longer, and more flowers opened on the TDZ-treated plants.
Our results indicate significant potential for TDZ as a tool to improve the postharvest life of potted flowering and foliage plants.

IX International Symposium on Postharvest Quality of Ornamental Plants

C.-Z. Jiang, L. Wu, A.J. Macnish, A. King, M. Yi, M.S. Reid

abscission, flower senescence, leaf yellowing, postharvest, TDZ

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.847.6