, leaf and stem discoloration, drying or general stem decline, depending on the species ( Table 1 ). Vase-life data were collected and analyzed using analysis of variance (SAS 9.1; SAS Institute, Cary, NC). For genera with more than one cultivar, data
The cut flower industry faces many challenges due to the difficulty in producing flowers with a long postharvest vase life. To ensure a longer vase life, growers must carefully regulate postharvest conditions and postharvest handling methods. Water
arranged minute flowers subtended by a brightly colored modified leaf, the spathe ( Croat, 1988 ). The size, shape, texture, color, and patterns on the spathe determine the commercial value of the cut flower; whereas its vase life determines its
Vase life of cut flowers is dependent on many variables, including the quality of the water in which the flowers are placed ( Conrado et al., 1980 ; Durkin, 1979 ; Halevy and Mayak, 1979 ). Durkin (1979 ) highlighted the importance of water
-lasting cut flowers ( Scariot et al. 2014 ). The vase life of cut rose flowers is determined by many factors, such as water relations ( Doi et al. 2000 ; Hassan et al. 2020 ; In et al. 2017 ), sugar concentration ( Norikoshi et al. 2016 ; van Doorn 2004
Eustoma grandiflorum is a popular and important cut-flower crop as a result of its long, multiflowered inflorescence, and varying flower colors, sizes, and shapes. The vase life of Eustoma cut flowers can exceed 2 weeks under favorable conditions
use of sucrose as a sugar in holding solutions is a usual practice to extend the vase life of cut flowers ( Macnish et al., 2008 ; Mayak and Dilley, 1976 ). A requirement for carbohydrates was demonstrated in cut flowers of petunia ( Weiss and Haley
compared with traditionally used phenol-formaldehyde foam. Vase life is the amount of time cut flowers stay alive and remain visibly pleasing after being arranged in a floral design. Although the amount of time cut flowers can remain looking fresh in a
The postharvest attributes of six specialty cut flower species were studied. First year results indicate that Achillea filipendulina `Coronation Gold' had a vase-life of 10.7 days in deionized water (DI) and can be stored one week at 1.7°C and shipped for one day. Buddeleia davidii (Butterfly Bush) had a vase life of 3.8 days in DI water and tolerated two weeks of cold storage and two days of shipping. Celosia plumosa `Forest Fire' (Plume Celosia) had a vase-life of 5.9 days in DI water and tolerated 2 days of shipping. Cercis canadensis (Redbud) had a vase-life of 9 days in DI water and tolerated one day of shipping. Echinacea purpurea `Bright Star' (Purple Coneflower) had a vase-life of 4.6 days in DI water and tolerated 2 weeks of storage and five days of shipping. Helianthus maximilianii (Maximillian Sunflower) had a vase-life of 6.3 days in DI water and tolerated one week of storage. In addition, silver thiosulfate and 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate increased vase-life of Buddeleia davidii, Celosia plumosa, Echinacea purpurea, and Helianthus maximilianii.
The frequency of purchase of cut flowers is influenced by the vase life of the stems in the consumer's home. We are attempting to find a preservative solution made of common household products to extend the vase life of cut roses. We conducted a survey of local garden club members to find what recipes they use. We compared several home recipes against three commercial preservatives and tap water. Two treatments were better than plain tap water: 1) a mixture of 1 teaspoon of vinegar, 1 aspirin tablet (325 mg), and 1 tablespoon sugar in 700 ml of water; and 2) a mixture of 1 teaspoon vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 tablespoon bleach in 700 ml of water. These treatments yielded a vase life of 9 and 8.3 days, respectively, as compared to 2.3 days for water. These treatments also proved clearly better than the three commercial preservatives tested. Changing plain water daily did not appreciably extend vase life over allowing water to remain for the entire life of the following stem. We found no relationship between water uptake and vase life; however, solution pH below 5.0 was necessary for extended vase life.