Abstract
Bulbs of ‘Blue Magic’ with 7cm size have not been used for flower production in the open because of low flowering percentage. In this experiment, ethylene was applied to bulbs during storage at room temperature and its effects were investigated.
Bulbs exposed to ethylene from early October to early November showed high flowering percentage but flowers with long stalks were obtained only from bulbs planted in early October. When bulbs, exposed to ethylene for 6 to 72 hours in early October, were planted just after the ethylene treatment, no differences in flowering percentage, flowering date and flower quality were observed.
Soaking bulbs in solution of 6-benzylaminopurine resulted in high flowering percentage but was a little less effective than exposure to ethylene. Ethephon and CaCN2 applications did not show any promotive effect on flowering.
In conclusion, bulbs of ‘Blue Magic’ with 7cm size can be used for cut flower production in the open if they are stored at room temperature and exposed to 10 μl/l ethylene for 6 hours in early October and then planted immediately outdoors.
