Effects of low oxygen environment on the respiration rate of cut flowers

Abstract

Reduction of respiration is a storage technique for preserving the quality of fruits and vegetables as it suppresses various metabolic activities. In the present study, the effects of low oxygen environment on respiration rate of nine cut flowers, including ring-flowered chrysanthemum, small-flowered chrysanthemum, rose, carnation, lisianthus, two gentian varieties （Gentiana scabra and Gentiana triflora）, lily, and tulip, were investigated to develop the storage technique of cut flowers. Respiration rate at normal ambient air was compared to that at reduced concentrations of oxygen. Significant differences in respiration rate were observed at ≦ 10% oxygen in ring- and small-flowered chrysanthemums, G. scabra and lily, and ≦ 5% oxygen in lisianthus, G. triflora and tulip. However, there were no significant differences in respiration rate in rose and carnation even at 2% oxygen. These results indicate that effective use of oxygen concentration to reduce respiration rate depends on the kind of cut flowers.