1998 Volume 67 Issue 2 Pages 198-203
The effect of calcium nitrate addition to α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) on the vase life of cut carnation flowers (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) in continuous treatment and pretreatment was investigated. In the continuous treatment, the addition of 2.5 mM calcium nitrate to 10 mM AIB significantly prolonged the vase life of 'Soana' cut flowers, relative to the control or 10 mM AIB or 2.5 mM calcium nitrate alone. This combination treatment was as effective as 20 mM AIB solution in extending vase life of carnations. In the pretreatment trials, an exposure to 60 mM AIB for 21 or 24 hours significantly extended the vase life of 'Nora', relative to the control. Exposure of cut flowers to 60 mM AIB+10 mM calcium nitrate solution for 21 or 24 hours enhanced the vase life by 20% or 14%, respectively over 60 mM AIB alone, but the calcium nitrate effect was not significant. The results of this study suggest that the addition of calcium nitrate to AIB promotes the AIB uptake in cut carnation flowers.
