Effects of Calcium Treatment on Vase Life of Cut Snapdragon Flowers

Abstract

Effect of calcium and/or silverthiosufate (STS) treatment on the vase life of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majas L. cv. Athlete Red) was investigated. Cut flowers kept in water showed inflorescence bent, while those pretreated with 1% CaCl₂ for 16 h did not show such symptoms. STS pretreatment prevented floret wilting but calcium did not. Calcium pretreatment enhanced inflorescence elongation and open florets. When vase water contained 5% glucose and germicide the calcium and STS pretreated flowers produced inflorescence with larger florets, resulting in extended vase life.