Effect of an antitranspirant on the keeping quality of cut carnation flowers (Dianthus caryophyUus)

Abstract

his experiemnt was carried out in 1980 under room condition. Two stages of flower development of Dianthus caryophyllus, var. William Sim, namely, flower bud and fully opened flowers were used in this study. The effect of different concentrations of an antitranspirant (Vapor Gard) on the bud opening and keeping quality of the flowers were studied.

The results showed that increasing the antitranspirant concetration from zero to 4% had significantly increased the vase life, time taken to full opening stage of flowers. The total sugars at the end of the experiment were influenced significantly by the antitranspirant applications.

Flower bud stage was found more suitable than full opening stage as flowers at the former stage showed a longer vase life and a better quality.