Postharvest Physiology and Technology of Cut Eustoma Flowers

Abstract

A long vase life of cut flowers is valued highly by consumers. Cut Eustoma flowers have gained popularity during recent decades in Japan but there are few studies on the postharvest physiology and technology of the flowers. The vase life of cut Eustoma flowers is not long and varies among cultivars. Ethylene is involved in flower senescence and pollination accelerates this process. The Eustoma inflorescence has many flowers and buds; therefore, to improve the postharvest quality of Eustoma inflorescence, promoting bud opening as well as delaying senescence of the open flower are important. This review summarizes the factors affecting vase life and describes effective treatments for cut Eustoma flower stems to extend their vase life.