EFFECTS OF VARIOUS CONCENTRATIONS AND DUR ATIONS OF TREATMENT WITH SILVER THIOSULFATE COMPLEX (STS) SOLUTION ON AG ABSORPTION, DISTRIBUTION, AND THE VASE LIFE OF CUT CARNATIONS

When a cut carnation absorbed more than 0.5 mu mol Ag during treatment from STS solution containing 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mM Ag for different durat ions, its vase life was doubled as compared with a non-treated control . Longevity of the flower was not significantly influenced by STS conc entrations or durations within a range used in this experiment. The di stribution of Ag in cut carnations depended on the concentration of ST S solution. In cut flowers treated with 0.25 mM STS, more Ag was detec ted in the stems, compared to that detected in the leaves and the flow er heads. Conversely, in cut flowers treated with 1 mM STS, more Ag wa s detected in the leaves, than in stems. Toxic symptoms were observed on the stems after a treatment with 0.25 mM STS and on leaves after a treatment with 1 mM STS. To determine the optimal concentration and du ration for the practical STS pretreatment, we recommend that the amoun t of STS solution absorbed by a cut flower be measured to estimate Ag absorbed. Absorption of 0.5 to 1.0 mu mol Ag per cut flowering carnati on stem should yield maximum vase life without causing toxicity.