Sandersonia aurantiaca: An evaluation of postharvest pulsing solutions to maximise cut flower quality

Abstract

The postharvest quality of sandersonia (Sandersonia aurantiaca (Hook.)) cut flowers is a function of the quality of individual flowers (fused tepals in the form of a lantern) and the quality of the leaves attached to the cut stem. The vase life of sandersonia cut flowers, therefore, is considered terminated when >50% of the flowers have senesced (faded and wilted) or the leaves have signs of chlorosis and/or necrosis. In the current study, 13 different postharvest pulsing solutions were analysed for their effectiveness in maintaining at-harvest quality for florets and leaves of sandersonia stems. The most effective pulsing solution for preventing leaf chlorosis was Chrysal-SVB (1 tablet in 2 litres of water). The pulsing solution that was most effective in maximising the overall postharvest quality of sandersonia stems contained Chrysal-AVB (3 ml litre−1) and Chrysal-SVB (1 tablet per 2 litres). Pulsing with the mixture of Chrysal-AVB/ SVB (18 h, 5°C) delayed the initiation of flower senescence and prevented leaf chlorosis. The stems pulsed with this solution had an average vase life 5 days longer than stems that were held in water. Further analysis of sandersonia flowers treated with gibberellic acid (GA3), a component of certain preservative solutions, indicate that this plant growth regulator is effective in extending sandersonia vase life, by delaying the onset of tepal fading and wilting and delaying senescence-associated proteolysis. © 2002 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.