Abstract
Pulse treatment with sucrose extends the vase life of cut Eustoma flowers, but leaf injury is sometimes observed following this treatment. To investigate the factors causing leaf injury, cut ‘Mira Coral’ flowers with 3 open florets and 3 buds were treated with DW, 2% and 4% sucrose at 23°C, relative humidity 53%, 71% and 86% in the dark for 24 h, respectively. The rate of leaf injury was 100% in 53%RH • 4% sucrose, and 50% in 71%RH • 4% sucrose, but other treatments did not cause leaf injury. The absorption of pulsing solution was affected more by RH than by sucrose concentration, and lower relative humidity condition caused greater absorption of pulsing solution. Sucrose absorption showed a greater increase with 4% sucrose treatment compared to that with 2% sucrose treatment under all RH conditions. Vase life was affected more by sucrose concentration than by RH, and a higher concentration of sucrose effectively extended the vase life. These findings indicate that a high concentration of sucrose was effective in extending the vase life, but excessive absorption of sucrose caused leaf injury.
