VASE LIFE OF SOME CUT FLOWERS FOLLOWING FUMIGATION WITH PHOSPHINE

Phosphine (PH3) is a potential alternative fumigant to methyl bromide for insect disinfestation of cut flowers, King protea (Protea cynaroid es L.), tulip (Tulipa gesneriana 'Apeldoorn'), kangaroo paw (Anigozant hos manglesii Hook.), and geraldton wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Purpl e Pride') were fumigated with PH3 at varying concentrations (100 to 80 00 mu L.L-1) for 2, 4, or 6 hours, Vase life was evaluated at 20 degre es C, 65% relative humidity, and constant illumination with a photosyn thetically active radiation of 15 mu mol.m(-2).s(-1). No significant c hange in vase life was observed for kangaroo paws after any of the PH3 fumigations. A 6-hour fumigation at 8000 mu L.L-1 significantly reduc ed vase life in king protea, tulip, and geraldton wax flower, Geraldto n wax flower and tulip were relatively sensitive to PH3, as they were damaged by 4000 mu L.L-1 for 6 hours and 8000 mu L.L-1 for 4 hours, re spectively. Phosphine has potential as an insect disinfestation fumiga nt for king protea, tulip, and kangaroo paw at 4000 mu L.L-1 for 6 hou rs without affecting vase life or causing damage.