Flower seed storage methods, fresh-keeping treatment methods for flowers
Carbohydrates: They are the main nutrient source and energy source for cut flowers, and they can maintain all physiological and biochemical processes of cut flowers after separation from the mother plant. An externally supplied sugar source will participate in extending vase life and plays a role in maintaining the structure and function of mitochondria in cut flower cells. By regulating transpiration and cell osmosis, it promotes water balance and increases water absorption. Sucrose is one of the most widely used carbohydrates in preservative solutions, and fructose and glucose are sometimes also used. The optimal sugar concentration in preservative solutions differs among different cut flower species or different cultivars of the same species. For example, in bud-opening solutions, the optimal concentration for carnation is 10%, while chrysanthemum leaves are sensitive to sugar, so 2% is generally used, and for rose, more than 1.5% easily causes leaf burn. The optimal sugar concentration is also related to the treatment method and the length of time. Generally speaking, for a specific cut flower, the longer the preservative treatment time, the lower the required sugar concentration. Therefore, the sugar concentration in pulse solutions (treated for a shorter time after harvest) is high, the concentration in bud-opening solutions is medium, and the sugar concentration in vase-holding solutions is relatively low.
Fungicides: The microorganisms that grow in vases include bacteria, yeasts and molds. After these microorganisms multiply in large numbers, they block the flower stem vessels, affect water uptake by cut flowers, and produce ethylene and other toxic substances that accelerate cut flower senescence. In order to control microbial growth, fungicides can be added to preservative solutions or used together with other ingredients.
Ethylene inhibitors: Silver thiosulfate (STS) is currently the most widely used and best ethylene inhibitor in the floral industry. It has good mobility within plants, has a highly effective inhibitory effect on ethylene synthesis in flowers, and effectively extends the vase life of many flowers. STS needs to be prepared just before use, and the prepared solution is best used immediately. If it is not used immediately, it should be stored away from light. It can be stored for 4 days in a dark environment at 20°C.
Growth regulators: Growth regulators are used in flower preservative solutions, and they include synthetic auxins and plant endogenous hormones. Plant growth regulators can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients. They can induce or inhibit various physiological and biochemical processes in plants, thereby delaying the senescence process of cut flowers. Among them, cytokinins are the most commonly used, mainly because they can inhibit ethylene production. When applied, they can be sprayed or dipped, and the optimal concentration is 10000 ppm; dipping for 2 minutes is sufficient. If the time is too long, adverse consequences will also occur. Carnation has the best response to this treatment.
The above are the components of flower preservative solutions, but in actual production, the main components of flower preservation are sugar and fungicides, and sometimes other components are added. Because some cut flowers secrete harmful substances from the stem ends and from leaves submerged in water, which can harm themselves and other flowers in the same vase, the fresh preservative solution in the vase should be replaced at regular intervals.