Research on the effects of silverthiosulphate plus sucrose pretreatment on the cold storage period and post storage vase life of cut flowers of carnation cv Astor harvested at different maturities

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of silverthiosulphate + sucrose pretreatment on the cold storage period and post storage vase life of cut flowers of carnation cv. Astor harvested at different maturities. Chemical pretreatments were not effective on the storage period of the cut flowers. Flowers at tight cluster stage (tight bud) were stored for 105 days which was the longest time. Chemical pretreatment, however, was found to be very effective on the vase life of cut carnations. Flowers at the right harvest maturity and those which not been stored showed the longest vase life. Chemical pretreatment, short storage period and flowers at paint brush stage gave the best results on opening time of the flowers dipped in the solution at bud stage. The best result were obtained from chemical pretreatment inflower diameter, 2 months stored flowers and the flowers at paint brush stage also had a high flower diameter.