EFFECT OF CALCIUM NITRATE ADDITION TO (ALPHA)-AMINOISOBUTYRIC ACID (AIB) ON THE PROLONGATION OF THE VASE LIFE OF CUT CARNATION FLOWERS

The effect of calcium nitrate addition to alpha-aminoisobutyric acid ( AIB) on the vase life of cut carnation flowers (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) in continuous treatment and pretreatment was investigated, In the continuous treatment, the addition of 2.5 mM calcium nitrate lu 10 mM AIB significantly prolonged the vase life of 'Soana' cut flowers, rela tive to the control or 10 mM AIB or 2.5 mM calcium nitrate alone. This combination treatment mas as effective as 20 mM AIB solution in exten ding vase life of carnations. In the pretreatment trials, an exposure to 60 mM AIB for 21 or 24 hours significantly extended the vase life o f 'Nora', relative to the control. Exposure of cut flowers to 60 mM AI B + 10 mM calcium nitrate solution for 21 or 24 hours enhanced the vas e life by 20 % or 14 %, respectively over 60 mM AIB alone, but the cal cium nitrate effect was not significant. The results of this study sug gest that the addition of calcium nitrate to AIB promotes the AIB upta ke in cut carnation flowers.