High temperature storage of freesia cormlets for delaying flowering time

The effects of long term storage of Freesia hybrida Hort. 'Cote d'Azur' cor mlets at 30 degreesC and the combination of 30 degreesC and 2 degreesC were investigated on flowering time and cut flower quality, Irrespective of whe n cormlets had stored at 2 degreesC, chilling induced pupation, poor sprout ing, and limited shoot growth after planting. Large cormlets (2.6 g), which had been stored in a netted bag at 30 degreesC from mid July to February, retained their potential for sprouting and developing vigorous shoots, wher eas small cormlets (0.7 g) became desiccated and died. Cormlets stored at h igh temperature produced late, but longer and heavier cut flowers than did the cold stored ones, The improved quality of cut flowers with delayed flow ering time is attributed to the increased number of leaf primordia at plant ing and subsequent prolonged juvenile phase as indicated by the decreased a pex size of the cormlets. High-temperature storage of medium to small sized cormlets in a perforated polyethylene bag ensured planting until early Feb ruary; this is an effective way to prevent them from desiccation. When thes e cormlets were planted on February 1, they produced marketable flowers by early to mid-June.