Ethylene Inhibitors Efficacy on Flower Opening and Lifespan of Potted Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Grown in a Greenhouse after Simulated Export Conditions

• Published in: Weon'ye gwahag gi'sulji Vol. 27; no. 3; pp. 414 - 419
• Main Authors: Park, S.A., Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Son, K.C., Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Oh, M.M., Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, U.S.A, Kwon, Y.J., Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 한국원예학회HST 01.09.2009; 한국원예학회
• Subjects: 1-MCP; display life; flower senescence; KALANCHOE BLOSSFELDIANA; STS; 농학; display life; New Alter; flower senescence; 꽃의 노화; STS; 관상 수명; 1-MCP
• ISSN: 1226-8763; 2465-8588

Ethylene sensitivity has been shown in several studies as a problem in kalanchoe. An ethylenecontaminated environment such as transportation or display stands in supermarkets deteriorates visual appearance and display life. In this study we determined the efficacy of two ethylene inhibitors, silver thiosulfate (STS) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), on flower opening and lifespan of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'New Alter' cultivated in a greenhouse after simulated transport. STS and 1-MCP were applied to kalanchoe plants at similar commercial maturity prior to simulated transport (dark, 12℃ and 60% relative humidity). STS (0.2 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM) was sprayed and 1-MCP (50 nLㆍL-¹, 100 nLㆍL-¹, and 200 nLㆍL-¹) was injected into sealed glass chambers containing kalanchoe plants for 6 hours. After simulated export for 5 days, the plants were immediately moved to a simulated retail room. The number of inflorescence, buds, and dead florets on all inflorescence were counted weekly for 7 weeks. Percentages of open flowers and dead florets were then calculated. Both STS and 1-MCP had significant effects on improving the quality of kalanchoe flowers by inducing flower opening or extending lifespan compared to the control, suggesting the inhibition of ethylene production by these inhibitors. Among the treatments, 0.5 mM and 1 mM STS showed the best results for induction of flowering and extension of lifespan. 1-MCP was not as effective as STS although the inhibitor had significantly better effects on flower opening than the control. Thus, in this study we showed great possibilities for practical usage of these two ethylene inhibitors on potted kalanchoe plants.