Effects of pre- and postharvest calcium applications on the vase life of cut gerberas

Cut scapes of the four gerbera cvs Campitano, Dine, Sangria and Testarossa were preharvest sprayed and postharvest dipped or injected with 0 (control) , 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% CaCl2. Vase life and bending incidence were determined during storage at 25 degrees C. Scape calcium content was determined at th e end of vase life. Significant extension of vase life and decrease in bend ing incidence was observed in blooms of 'Campitano', 'Dino' and 'Testarossa ' gerberas injected with 1.0% CaCl2, followed by dipping in 1.0% CaCl2 post harvest compared with the control. 'Sangria' gerbera scapes preharvest spra yed with 1.0-1.5% CaCl2 had the longest flower longevity and the lowest ben ding incidence. Scape calcium concentration of 'Campitano', 'Sangria' and ' Testarossa' increased by 250, 130 and 370%, respectively, compared with the control; calcium treatments resulted in a 3-4 d increase in vase life and a 3-5 d delay in bending incidence relative to the control; treatments with 1.5% CaCl2 considerably increased scape calcium content but did not contri bute any additional increase in the vase life of the flowers. Although post harvest dipping with 1.0% CaCl2 had moderate results compared with the othe r treatments it can be considered as a promising postharvest treatment to e xtend vase life of cut gerberas due to the ease of application.