Postharvest quality of cut Gypsophila paniculata L-as influenced by environmental conditions during transport

Pulsing cut Gypsophila paniculata L. 'Bristol Fairy' stems with 30% of buds open for 3 hr in a preservative that contained 0.2mM silver thiosulfate an d 4% sucrose promoted bud opening and prolonged vase life. Precooling to 1 degrees C followed by transportation at 5 degrees C, improved the longevity of cut flowers which were hydrated with the preservative, but precooling a lone had no effect, especially on those hydrated with deionized water. Subj ecting cut flowers to 18 similar to 25 degrees C or sudden rise in temperat ure from 1 degrees C to 18 degrees C increased ethylene and carbon dioxide concentrations within carton boxes during the transport period. This, presu mably resulting in an increasing number of florets exhibiting petal brownin g. Maintaining cut gypsophila flowers at 25 degrees C for 24 hr also caused severe water stress, making rehydration after transport difficult.