Optimum harvesting time of herbaceous peony buds for cutting flowers

The herbaceous peony is one of the cut flowers that has become increasingly popular in the international market in recent years. In the study, 11 cultivars of herbaceous peonies suitable for cutting flowers were selected; different harvesting stages （three or four stages） were identified according to bud development observation （bud firmness, bud diameter, sepal angle, petal angle, and color showing）. Moreover, flower development and vase life were also recorded in the experiment of vase. Bud development observation shows that there are great differences in optimum harvesting stage between the culti- vars, especially between the hybrid peony group and lactiflora group. This implies that bud diameter could not be the only indicator for optimum harvesting stage. Bud description, including sepal opening angle, sepal color, petal color showing, and degree of firmness, is necessary for the determination of the harvesting stage. Among the 11 cultivars,‘Pink Hawaiian Coral＇, ‘Red Charm＇, ‘Edulis Superba＇, ‘Red Magic＇, and ‘Sarah Bernhardt＇ should be harvested at stage 1. ‘Duchesse de Nemours＇, ‘Taff＇, ‘Sorbet＇ and ‘Monsieur Jules Elie＇ should be harvested at stage 2. ‘Kansas＇ should be at stage 3 and ‘Karl Rosenfield＇ at stage 4. The determination of optimum harvesting stage for each cultivar is an important element in cut flower production.

Status quo and Enhancement of Competitiveness of Cut Flower Industry in China

The research reviewed status quo and problems of China＇s cut flowers and proposed countermeasures and suggestions in improving its competitiveness in order to provide theoretical references for its development.

Observation and Evaluation of New Lily Cutflower Varieties Introduced in Tropical Area

[Objective] New lily varieties were introduced and selected to provide ref- erences for choosing lily varieties with the best comprehensive performance and most appropriate for tropical area. [Method] In winter, six lily cultivars including White Express, Concad＇or, Aktiva, Donato, Star Fighter and Serano were planted outdoors in Hainan. Phenophase, morphological traits and cut flower quality of the tested cultivars were observed and compared in order to choose varieties suitable for Hainan. [Result] Their growth period ranged from 96 to 113 d with the mean of 105.3 d. Six cultivars had obvious differences in biological characteristics and cut- flower quality. Compared with the other 4 cultivars, Aktiva and Serano were superior for their bright color and beautiful shape, height uniformity, long florescence and strong growing. According to the comprehensive evaluation system of lily variety, the sequence was Serano 〉 Aktiva 〉 Concad＇or 〉 Star Fighter 〉 Donato 〉 White Ex- press. [Conclusion] The two cultivars of Aktiva and Serano with good characters are selected for further research and extension in Sanya of Hainan.

Research on the Vase Preservative of Anthurium seherzerianum Cut Flowers

[Objective] The research aimed to study the vase preservative of Anthurium seherzerianum cut flowers and provide reference for the planting and preservative method selection of A.seherzerianum.[Method] Using Tropical＇s spathe,one kind of common cut blossoms of A.seherzerianum as experimental materials,three different formula of vase solutions were used.And it was compared with common preservative formula of A.seherzerianum to study the vase preserved liquid of A.seherzerianum.[Result] Formula 3 was the optimum vase preservative,which was composed of 4% sucrose,0.08% NaCl,0.01% Ca（H2PO4）2·H2O,0.01% Chinese medicine antiseptic （ethonal extract from coptis）,0.1 mol/L NaOH,0.1 mol/L citric acid and 10 mg/L 6-BA.The preserved period reached 23 days,13 days longer than CK.The appreciative period reached 31 days,18 days longer than CK,with significant effects.In formula 3,water loss in A.seherzerianum spathe was decreased obviously,which was favorable for maintaining water content in tissues.The cell membrane permeability was reduced and the peroxidation of membrane ester was inhibited.The accumulation of MDA was decreased and SOD activity was increased.The protective enzyme activity of cells was enhanced and the content of proline and soluble sugar were increased and the respiration rate was reduced.[Conclusion] The formula（4% sucrose ＋ 0.08% NaCl＋ 0.01% Ca（H2PO4）2＋0.01% Chinese medicine antiseptic（ethonal extract from coptis）＋ 0.1 mol/L NaOH＋0.1 mol/L citric acid and 10 mg/L 6-BA）achieved the purpose of prolonging the preservative period of A.seherzerianum spathe and prolonging the preservative period of A.seherzerianum effectively.

Current progress in application of 1-Methylcyclopropene to improve postharvest quality of cut flowers

Floral senescence or petal abscission that determine cut flower quality and longevity are primarily caused by the regulation of endogenous ethylene and perception of endogenous and exogenous ethylene in floral organs(such as the petals and gynoecium),in ethylene-sensitive species.Several attempts have been made to prolong flower quality and longevity using silver ions and other chemicals that inhibit ethylene production and perception in floral organs.Among the available compounds,1-methylcyclopropene(1-MCP)has been increasingly used as ethylene-action/perception inhibitor because of its ability to inhibit ethylene action/perception and it is environmentally safe.Although 1-MCP has been used in several cut flower crops for about 25 years,there has been no review yet that critically emphasizes the benefits or difficulties of using this compound for the prolongation of cut flower quality and longevity.Here,we outline the role of 1-MCP in inhibiting ethylene action/perception and petal senescence in cut flowers through the blocking of receptor binding sites,and we discuss how various factors affecting efficacy of 1-MCP(such as concentration,treatment time and temperature,genotype,and flower stage)are involved in the achievement of flower longevity.Moreover,we highlight the advantages of applying nonvolatile and liquid 1-MCP formulation types,as opposed to using the conventional 1-MCP treatment(powder formulation type).We expect that this review will provide useful information for the future utilization of 1-MCP for the maintenance of cut flower longevity.

The Analysis and Prospect of Development of Fresh Cut Flower Industry Based on the Patent Analysis

Cut flower industry is an important branch of floral industry, characterized by less occupation of lands, high output values per unit area and export capacity.Therefore, it enjoys promising economic profits and development potential. The research conducted relevant analysis on patents of cut flowers at home and abroad,including development trend, regional distribution, applicants, and technology classification. Besides, the research discussed status quo, characteristics, and development trend of cut flower industry, providing references for policy formulation for governments.

Effects of Nine Kinds of Household Vase Solutions on Fresh-keeping Effect of Lilium Cut Flowers

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of nine kinds of household vase solutions on fresh-keeping effect of Lilium cut flowers.[Method]Using Lilium"Sorbonne"as the material,nine kinds of household vase solutions were prepared by edible white granulated sugar,white vinegar,akafen powder and vitamin C tablets,respectively.The morphological and physiological indexes of Lilium cut flowers,including vase life,ornamental grade,flower diameter,fresh weight of flower branches,water balance value,soluble protein content and MDA content of petals,were observed,and the effects of nine kinds of household vase solutions on fresh-keeping effect of Lilium cut flowers were studied.[Result]The household vase solution F8(20 g/L white granated sugar+1 packet/L acafen powder+2 tablets/L vitamin C tablets)had the best fresh-keeping effect on Lilium cut flowers,which was beneficial to prolong the vase life and improve the ornamental value of Lilium cut flowers.[Conclusion]The household vase solution of Lilium cut flowers is optimized,which is not only environmentally friendly but also convenient for ordinary families.

Fresh-keeping Effects of Different Concentrations of 6-BA and B9 on Carnation Cut Flower

Using sucrose, citric acid and vitamin C as the basic liquid, different concentrations of 6-BA and B9 preservatives were added, and the carnation variety ＇ Master＇ was treated. The results showed that the formula of 3% sucrose ＋ 50 mg/L citric acid ＋ 600 mg/L vitamin C ＋ 20 mg/L 6-BA could effectively maintain the water balance of the cut flower, prolong the vase life of the cut flower to 16.4 d, and maximize the flower diameter and the crown height.

Different Fresh-keeping Effects of Sugar, Aspirin and Vc on Cut Rose Flowers

[Objectives] This study was conducted to develop environmentally-friendly effective vase solutions for cut rose flowers convenient for ordinary household use. [Methods] The vase life, flowering stage, flower diameter variation, petal water content, and soluble protein and malondialdehyde contents were determined on cut rose flowers regularly during the vase period, to study the fresh-keeping effects of the vase solutions prepared from such three components as sugar, aspirin and Vc according to L9(33) orthogonal table design on cut rose flowers during the vase period. [Results] 20 g/L white granulated sugar+460 mg/L aspirin+50 mg/L Vc was the best combination in this study. [Conclusions] This study provides a reference for the research on the fresh-keeping vase solutions of household cut rose flowers.

Autumn Cultivation of Farewell-To-Spring （Clarkia amoena A. Nelson ＆ J. F. Macbr.） in Unheated Foil Tunnel in Lower Silesia Condition

In conditions of Poland, farewell-to-spring never was cultivated for cut flowers in unheated foil tunnel. Specific conditions of Lower Silesia, together with the short cultivation cycle and small demands of this plant, are promised for its cultivation in this region of Europe. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of two farewell-to-spring varieties for the cultivation for cut flowers in unheated foil tunnel in Lower Silesia conditions during autumn time. The two-factorial experiment was carried out by the method of random blocks in Research-Development Station of Vegetable and Ornamental Plants of Wroctaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences. The first factor was the variety--＂Grace White＂ and ＂Brillanf＇ and the second was the year of cultivation--2012 and 2013. Measurements included number and length of flower stems, number of flower buds and leaves per flower stem, fresh and dry weight of flower stem and leaves color parameters. Total chlorophyll content was also determined. Studies showed that autumn cultivation of farewell-to-spring is reasonable because of its high yield （about 640 flower stems/m2） with long flower stems from 50 cm up to 80 cm. In Lower Silesia conditions, the variety ＂Grace White＂ has proven to be better; it produced higher number of flower stems with higher number of lowers buds and thus flowers. In terms of thermal conditions, more favorable was year 2013, in which the plants produced longer flower stems and had higher total chlorophyll content in leaves. After inserting the flower stems in tap water, all flower buds developed.

Yield Compounds and Nutrient Elements of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) under Different Growing Media

Production of cut flowers is very prevalent in Iran. Carnation is most famous for its use as a cut flower. This study was carried out in the research greenhouse of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, to explore the effect of different growing media on some vegetative and reproductive traits of carnation. The experimental design was randomized complete, using 50% perlite and different growing media including: mineral soil and coco peat in 6 proportions (50% coco peat, 10% soil + 40% coco peat, 20% soil + 30% coco peat, 30% soil + 20% coco peat, 40% soil + 10% coco peat, 50% soil). During growth period, irrigation rate, humidity and temperature were similar. The growth characteristics of carnation were determined at the end of growth period. The results indicated that although there were no significant differences between studied growing substrates in chlorophyll a, b. Statistical analysis showed fresh weight of flower was far greater in coco peat 10% + soil 40% and soil 50% compared to other growing media. Fresh and dry weight of root and shoot in soil 50% were higher than other growing media. The results showed that highest concentration of Fe and Zn was observed in coco peat 40% + soil 10%. The concentration of Mn in coco peat 10% + soil 40% was higher than other growing media. The results showed that the highest Ca concentration was observed in soil 50% and the lowest concentration of this element was obtained in coco peat 50%. According to the obtained results, mineral soil can be used as a suitable alternative to cocopeat for cultivation and growth of carnation in greenhouse.