A TRIAZOLE COMPOUND EXTENDS THE VASE LIFE OF GERALDTON WAXFLOWER

A triazole compound, triadimenol, and mefluidide were evaluated as vas e solution ingredients for Geraldton waxflower. It was anticipated, on the basis of published literature, that these chemicals might induce endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation and associated stomatal cl osure, thereby providing an improved water balance. Triadimenol (10 mg /L) generally extended both foliage and flower vase life for the 3 cul tivars of Geraldton waxflower studied. However, the increased longevit y was associated with greater, rather than less, vase solution usage. Therefore, stomatal closure was not induced, and the beneficial effect was evidently not a function of significantly increased endogenous AB A levels. Mefluidide did not extend the vase life of Geraldton waxflow er.