Abstract
Effects of pulse treatment with sucrose in combination with silver thiosulfate complex (STS) on the quality and vase life of cut Delphinium flowers were investigated. Cut flowers of Delphinium Belladonna ‘Ballkleid’ and ‘Sky waltz’ were treated with 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% sucrose in combination with 0.2 mM STS. Treatment with sucrose in combination with STS significantly improved pigmentation of flower color, increased floret size and extended vase life compared to that with STS alone except for the vase life of ‘Sky waltz’. These positive effects by STS and 4% sucrose were remarkable when cut flowers were held at 10°C for 48 h to simulate long-distance transport. The combined treatment increased the fresh weight of cut flowers and prevented bending of upper flower stalks, and thus improved their plant forms.
