Effect of Non-polar gas on Water in Cut Carnation Flowers

Abstract

In order to estimate the preservation method of cut carnation flowers by applying non-polar gas, the effect of Xe gas on the water in cut carnations was examined. The distribution of water concentration in cut carnations was given as gray scale images through neutron radiography and the mobility of water molecules was estimated by T₁ relaxation time of protons. The application of Xenon to cut flowers was found to maintain the water uptake activity and at the same time to prevent water loss. When 0.7MPa of Xe gas was applied, an appreciable change in T₁ relaxation time of water in ovaries was not observed over the first 24 hours. This suggested that the dynamic state of water in ovaries was held nearly constant by Xe-treatment.