Reduction of Postproduction Quality Loss in Potted Miniature Roses

• Published in: HortScience Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 293 - 294
• Main Authors: Tjosvold, Steven A, Wu, Meng-Jen, Reid, Michael S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Alexandria, VA American Society for Horticultural Science 01.04.1994
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; Harvesting. Postharvest. Storage; Vegetative propagation. Sowing and planting. Harvesting; Adenine(N; Purine derivatives; Production quality; Rosaceae; Ethylene; Loss; Postharvest; Growth regulator treatment; Woody plant; Cytokinin; Silver Thiosulfates; Stress; Postharvest physiology; Pot growing; Preservative; Silver Compounds; Dicotyledones; Angiospermae; Flower crop; Plant growth substance; Spermatophyta; Miniaturization; benzyl; Cultivar
• ISSN: 0018-5345; 2327-9834
• DOI: 10.21273/hortsci.29.4.293

Potted miniature roses (Rosa × hybrids L. `Belle Sunblaze') held after production in simulated home conditions (21C, continuous fluorescent light) yellowed prematurely, flower buds and leaves abscised, and flower buds failed to open. These symptoms were accelerated when the plants were exposed to low concentrations (1 μl·liter -1 ) of ethylene in the absence of inhibitors. Spray application of 100 μl BA/liter reduced leaf yellowing but had no significant effect on flower opening or bud abscission. Spray application of 1 m m silver thiosulfate (STS) strongly promoted flower display but did not prevent leaf yellowing. A combined BA and STS treatment greatly improved the postproduction quality of rose plants, particularly if applied 1 day before harvest. Chemical name used: benzyladenine (BA).