Title: Changes in Soluble Carbohydrates Content and Ethylene Production during Postharvest Period of Cut Rose Flowers
Abstract: Background: Cut flowers rely on stored carbohydrate reserves for flower opening and maintenance and the postharvest life of many cut flowers can be extended by adding sucrose to the vase solution. Objective: To study the role of soluble carbohydrates on the longevity and to understand the physiological basis of sucrose on the vase life, we investigated the changes in soluble carbohydrate pools and ethylene production during the postharvest phase of cut roses (Rosa hybrida L. cvs. „Audio‟ and „Black Magic‟) treated with 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (HQC) or sucrose plus HQC. Cut rose stems were placed in distilled water, 200 mg L -1 HQC, or 20 g L -1 sucrose plus 200 mg L -1 HQC solutions, and kept at 23 ◦C for evaluation. Results: The vase life of „Audio‟ was 11.3 d whereas that of „Black Magic‟ was 5.7 d in distilled water. HQC and sucrose plus HQC treatments increased „Audio‟ and „Black Magic‟ flower longevity by 2-5 days. „Black Magic‟ flowers produced higher ethylene rate than „Audio‟ flowers during postharvest period and petals abscised at a quicker rate. Treatment with sucrose plus HQC delayed in the utilization of the glucose, fructose and sucrose in petals and stems and delayed ethylene production in both cultivars. Concentrations of soluble carbohydrates in „Audio‟ petals and stems were higher than those in „Black Magic‟ flowers throughout the experimental period. Fructose was the main carbohydrate in petals of both cultivars, followed by glucose and sucrose. Conclusion: these results indicate that carbohydrate supply and ethylene production rate may determine the length of the vase life of these cut rose flowers.
Publication Year: 2014
Publication Date: 2014-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 1
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot