EFFECTS OF PRODUCTION AND POSTPRODUCTION FACTORS ON LONGEVITY AND QUALITY OF POTTED CARNATIONS

Production and postproduction factors were examined to evaluate their effects on bud opening, flower and plant longevity of several potted carnation varieties. Fertilizer regime, where fertilizer was either continued until flowering or terminated 4 weeks prior to flowering, had no effect on postproduction quality or longevity. Bud development at marketing influenced postproduction quality. A reduction in the percentage of floral buds that opened occurred when marketed too early (3–5 buds showing color only) compared to a more advanced stage (2–3 buds open).

Boxed storage of ‘Cotillion’ at temperatures of 7, 13, or 18C for 3, 6, or 9 days did not affect the number or percentage of buds that opened. Plant longevity was reduced from 4 to 11 days when stored for ≥ 6 days at temperatures of 13C and 18C. Foliage declined after 2 weeks when stored for more than 3 days at 18C. Boxed storage of 3 cultivars at 1, 7 or 13C for 3 days did not affect bud opening or plant longevity, although differences among cultivars were observed.

Plants lasted between 3 and 6 weeks depending on cultivar, postproduction temperature (18, 21 or 24C) and irradiance (7 or 14 μmol m^-2s^-1). Plant longevity increased from 11 to 22 days as temperature decreased from 24C to 18C.