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

Citation
D. Gerasopoulos et B. Chebli, Effects of pre- and postharvest calcium applications on the vase life of cut gerberas, J HORT SCI, 74(1), 1999, pp. 78-81
Citations number
18
Categorie Soggetti
Plant Sciences
Journal title
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE & BIOTECHNOLOGY
ISSN journal
14620316 → ACNP
Volume
74
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
78 - 81
Database
ISI
SICI code
1462-0316(199901)74:1<78:EOPAPC>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
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.