Propagation success of cuttings as influenced by stage of propagation, 1-MCP and ethylene exposure and storage: part 2 Pelargonium

Propagation success of cuttings can be influenced by the stage of development at which they are shipped and stored, storage duration, and exposure to anti-ethylene agents and/or ethylene. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of propagation stage and the anti-ethylene agent 1-MCP on sensitivity of Pelargonium × hortorum 'Fidelity Coral and 'Tango Dark Red' to ethylene and simulated shipment. Nine combinations of propagation stage (1, unrooted; 2, callused; or 3, rooted) and 1-MCP treatment (0 or 700 nL L^-1) followed by ethylene treatment (0 or 1 µL L^-1), and storage duration (0 or 2 days) were administered. Pelargonium cuttings stored for 2 days at Stage 1 reached Stage 3 in the least amount of propagation days, but had more leaf abscission than unstored Stage 1 cuttings. 'Tango Dark Red' cuttings stored at Stage 1 also had lower shoot and root fresh and dry weights than unstored Stage 1 cuttings. Cuttings treated with 1 µL L^-1 ethylene and then stored for 2 days had the lowest root fresh and dry weights. Cuttings of both cultivars stored at Stages 2 and 3 had more yellow/necrotic leaves than stored and unstored Stage 1 cuttings. Most postharvest parameters were not significantly affected by 1-MCP for either cultivar. For 'Tango Dark Red', cuttings treated with 1-MCP prior to ethylene had fewer abscised leaves and higher shoot and root dry weights.