The effect of temperature and carbon dioxide on the postharvest life of cut roses (Rosa Hybrida L.)

The international trade in cut roses continues to grow every year. The challenge is temperature management and disease development along the handling chain. There is no , published research on the effect of uniform versus fluctuating temperature on the quality and vase life of cut roses (Rosa hybrida 1.) in storage. Effects of storage temperature and storage atmosphere on vase life parameters of morning and afternoon harvested roses were studied for imported cut roses. The effect of carbon dioxide as a postharvest treatment on the control of Botrytis cinerea was also investigated. Storage at uniform 2°C for 10 days reduced the vase life of morning harvested roses compared to the afternoon harvest and the non stored controls. Storage at 2°C caused chilling injury on the foliage of 'Cream Prophyta' with no effect on 'Duett' and 'Golden Gate' roses. When roses were stored at fluctuating temperature (2115°C) this accelerated flowering opening in 'Golden Gate' roses and caused development of Botrytis in 'Duett' roses. Furthermore, fluctuating temperature caused bent neck in 'Golden Gate' and 'Cream Prophyta' roses. There was a varietal difference in the response to the levels of carbon dioxide used for modified atmosphere storage and Botrytis control. Storage of 'Cream Prophyta' roses in 15% CO2 did not improve vase life while it delayed development of Botrytis in 'Duett' with 'i_ .•.• - an improvement in the vividness of the colour of the petals and vase life. Concentrations of5 to 10% CO2 improved the performance of 'Cream Prophyta' and 'Golden Gate' roses compared to 'Duett' roses. The beneficial effects of elevated carbon dioxide were further tested on 'Duett' roses to control infection by B. cinerea. Elevated levels of 20% CO2 Suppressed Botrytis but were harmful to the foliage while 10% CO2 proved to suppress Botrytis in both artificially inoculated and non inoculated 'Duett' roses with no damage to the foliage.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo