2017 Volume 16 Issue 2 Pages 197-202
The effects of pulse treatment with the silver thiosulfate complex (STS), sucrose, and their combination on the quality and vase life of cut flowers of Delphinium elatum were investigated. Cut flowers of D. elatum ‘Aurora Blue Imp’ were treated with STS solution at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.25 mM for different durations. The vase life of flowers was the longest when the Ag content in the florets was 3 μmol・100 g–1 FW or higher. The vase life of cut flowers was not influenced by the STS concentration or duration of treatment as long as the Ag content in florets was more than 3 μmol・100 g–1 FW. For the florets whose abscission layer had already formed, even if Ag had accumulated over 3 μmol・100 g–1 FW in the florets by pulse treatment with STS, the vase life of the florets was not extended sufficiently. Cut flowers of D. elatum ‘Blue Bird’ were treated with 0, 2, and 4% sucrose in combination with 0.2 mM STS. Treatment with 4% sucrose in combination with STS significantly extended the vase life, increased the anthocyanin concentration in the sepals, and improved the pigmentation of the flower color compared with that of STS alone. The effect of improvement of the pigmentation of the flower color was marked when cut flowers were held at 10°C for 48 h to simulate long-distance transport.