Seasonal Variations in the Vase Life of Cut Gerbera Flowers Are Involved in the Release of Electrolytes from Flower Stems to Vase Water

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Seasonal changes in vase life and the electrical conductivity and turbidity of vase water were studied in cut gerbera using two cultivars, namely, ‘Picture Perfect’ and ‘Pinta.’ Sugars and electrolytes released from cut stems are reported to be high in ‘Picture Perfect’ but lower in ‘Pinta.’ From May to July, when the electrical conductivity and turbidity of vase water were relatively high, the vase life of cut ‘Picture Perfect’ was relatively short. From May to July, the vase life of cut ‘Pinta’ was not reduced. Moreover, the electrical conductivity and turbidity of vase water were relatively low throughout the year. Isothiazolinone germicide (a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; CMIT/MIT) treatment reduced the turbidity of vase water in ‘Picture Perfect.’ ‘Picture Perfect’ had a large central cavity in the stem, whereas ‘Pinta’ had a very small central cavity. The vase life of cut ‘Picture Perfect’ was found to have a significant seasonal variation. The amounts of compounds, including electrolytes, released by cut ‘Picture Perfect’ stems may explain the variation in vase life.