Abstract
Effect of sucrose treatment during wet transport on the vase life of cut gypsophila flowers was investigated. Antimicrobial compounds CMI/MI (an isothiazolinonic germicide) in combination with aluminum sulfate (CMI/MI-AS) was included in all transport solutions. First, when the effects of sucrose on the vase life of cut flowers harvested at the normal stage and at an earlier stage many floret buds were present, were investigated. Treatment with sucrose plus CMI/MI-AS promoted floret opening and increased the fresh weight regardless of harvest stage. Secondly, the effects of sucrose treatments at different temperatures (10 or 20°C) for different periods (24, 48 or 72 h) during transport on vase life were investigated. Treatment with sucrose plus CMI/MI-AS increased fresh weight and number of open florets and extended the vase life in comparison to CMI/MI-AS without sucrose under all transport conditions except for that at 10°C for 24 h. These results show that sucrose plus CMI/MI-AS treatment during wet transport is effective in promoting floret opening and extending the vase life of cut gypsophila flowers.
