Postharvest characteristics of cut inflorescences of Lupinus havardii.
Davis, T. D.; Mackay, W. A.; Narendra Sankhla;
HortTechnology Year: 1995 Vol: 5 Issue: 3 Pages: 247-249 Ref: 7 ref.
1995
บทคัดย่อ
ABSTRACT :
L. havardii is native to a narrow geographic range in south-western Texas and produces attractive blue inflorescences (racemes) that may be used as cut flowers. Several crops of this species were produced in the greenhouse to determine the postharvest characteristics of the cut inflorescences. Without any postharvest conditioning treatments, the inflorescences held in water had an average vase life of about 7 days. During this period, an average of 13 flowers abscised per inflorescence. When preconditioned for 4 h in 40-160 mg silver thiosulfate (STS)/litre, vase life increased to 10-12 days and fewer than 3 flowers abscised per inflorescence. A commercial floral preservative (Oasis) had no effect on flower abscission or vase life of STS-treated inflorescences. Flower abscission and vase life were the same whether STS-treated inflorescences were placed in floral foam moistened with water or in water alone. Storing STS-preconditioned inflorescences in water at 5 deg C for 72 h did not affect flow
er abscission or vase life compared with unstored controls. Dry postharvest storage at 5 deg for 72 h caused noticeable wilting, but, on rehydration, these inflorescences still had a vase life of about 8 days. Postharvest characteristics of pink- and white-flowered breeding lines were the same as for the blue-flowered line. These results indicate that cut inflorescences of L. havardii have desirable postharvest qualities and can be stored for up to 72 h without seriously limiting vase life.