Effects of sucrose and silver thiosulphate pulsing on stem-base cracking and vase-life in Leucojum aestivum flowers

Abstract

Cut Leucojum aestivum L. (cv. 'Summer Snowflake') flowers were treated with distilled water (control), sucrose (5-10%), silver thiosulphate (STS; 1-2 mM), or combinations of sucrose plus STS. Pulse treatments were applied for 2 h in a controlled-environment room maintained at 20-21C. A vase-life of 4.8 d was obtained for flowers treated with distilled water (control). The longest vase-life of 7.8 d was obtained for flowers treated with 1 mM STS + 10% sucrose. This treatment also significantly reduced stem cracking. Accordingly, it may serve as a practical treatment for preserving cut Leucojum flowers.