Ethephon and Silver Thiosulfate Affect Postharvest Characteristics of Rosa hybrida `Victory Parade'

Abstract

The postharvest quality of miniature pot roses is limited by bud abscission and premature flower senescence. Rosa hybrida `Victory Parade' plants were treated with ethephon to study their sensitivity to ethylene and with silver thiosulfate (STS) to investigate its inhibitory effects on ethylene action. Bud abscission and flower senescence were promoted by spraying plants with ethephon, and the longevity of individual flowers and whole plants was reduced. All STS concentrations (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 mM improved postharvest keeping quality. Bud abscission and flower senescence were decreased and the longevity of flowers and whole plants was improved by applying STS. Chemical name used: 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon).