Effects of Treatment with Sucrose on Qualities and Sugar Concentrations of Bud Cut Carnations

• Published in: Engeigaku kenkyuu Vol. 6; no. 4; p. 591
• Main Authors: Minakuchi, Satoshi, Ichimura, Kazuo, Hisamatsu, Tamotsu, Koshioka, Masaji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kyoto-City Japan Science and Technology Agency 01.10.2007
• ISSN: 1347-2658; 1880-3571

Effect of sucrose concentration on flower qualities and changes in sugar concentrations during bud development in carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L. 'Nora') were investigated. Bud cut carnation flowers were treated with sucrose solutions ranging from 0% to 17% at 23°C. Sucrose concentrations had no influence on the number of days from bud to full bloom. Sucrose at high concentrations was effective in increasing the flower diameter and improved petal color pigmentation. In the calyx, leaf and stem of intact carnations, concentrations of pinitol, sucrose, glucose and fructose remained almost constant during bud development. In petals of intact carnations, concentrations of fructose and glucose increased markedly with bud development. In all organs of bud cut carnations treated with 0% sucrose, concentrations of these sugars, except for pinitol, decreased markedly and remained very low during the experimental period. Decrease in the sugar concentrations in all organs was suppressed by 5% sucrose treatment, although the concentrations were relatively low levels compared with those of the intact carnation. These findings suggest that sucrose increases sugar concentrations in petals, which may improve flower size and petal color pigmentation of bud cut carnations.