2025/06/23 by Elizabeth A. Goodman, Neil O. Anderson, Cindy B. S. Tong · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Flowering Plant Growth and Cultivation #Leaf Properties and Growth Measurement #Growth and nutrition in plants
paper · doi:10.1080/14620316.2025.2516795
openalex publication_date 2025/06/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/14
Flower longevity and vase life/stem were measured to determine maximum vase life of perennial flax cut flower (CF) genotypes within a breeding programme. These traits were of interest as maximum stem vase life is desired in the CF market. The objective was to test effects of storage temperature, light, and preservatives on vase life of sixteen genotypes (CF1-CF16). Genotype significantly affected all postharvest floral traits. Temperature had a significant effect on floral development, anthesis, longevity, and senescence. At 4±1℃, flowers lasted 2.78–4.03d, but < 1.5 d at 24±1℃. Maximum vase life/stem at 24±1 ℃ under 24-hour light was 6.17d (CF12) in FloraLife® preservative. CF13 had the greatest flower longevity and vase life occurred at both temperatures, with CF12 and CF14 performing comparably. Light increased anthesis while darkness delayed it. Cold-stored, light-treated stems had post-cold storage blooming for 3–4d at 20℃, while dark-treated cold storage did not. Cold storage >9 d had bud abscission and chlorosis, especially dark-stored stems. We conclude for maximal perennial flax postharvest vase life of >5 d) with 2–3 open flowers/stem that stems be stored (<7 d) in light (<12 h/d) and cold with FloraLife® preservative.