Gk. Burge et al., POSTHARVEST TREATMENTS TO INCREASE WATER-UPTAKE AND THE VASE LIFE OF LEPTOSPERMUM-SCOPARIUM FORST, New Zealand journal of crop and horticultural science, 24(4), 1996, pp. 371-378
Postharvest stem treatments and vase-solution treatments were assessed
to determine the basis of the short vase-life of detached Leptospermu
m scoparium Forst. stems. Stem cutting or heat treatments had little e
ffect on water uptake or vase life. 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (HQS)
delayed the decline in water uptake and leaf moisture content, and ext
ended the vase life by 1-2 days. Cycloheximide (CHI) also extended the
vase life by 2 days. However, the water uptake pattern and changes in
leaf moisture content were different from those observed with HQS. Al
though the rate of flower senescence was similar, CHI treatment result
ed in a marked reduction in the rate of decline of water uptake and lo
ss of leaf moisture content. Silver thiosulphate purse treatments had
little effect on flower senescence. Sucrose reduced the rate of Bower
senescence and when combined with HQS extended the vase life from 3 to
9 days. This suggests that the short vase-life of L. scoparium is the
result of both the sugar status and water relations of the cut stems.