Effects of gibberellic acid on postharvest quality and vaselife life of gerbera cut flowers (Gerbera jamesonii)
2004
Emongor, V.E. (University of Botswana, Gaborone (Botswana). Dept. of Crop Science and Production)
Laboratory trials were carried out to investigate the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) on the postharvest quality and vase life of gerbera cut- flowers. Freshly cut flower stems of gerbera cultivar `Ida Red', with two outer disc florets open were put in flower vases containing 0, 2.5, 5, or 7.5 mg L-1 of GA3. The treatments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four replicates. Gerbera cut-flowers held in GA3 at 2.5, 5 or 7. 5 mg L-1 significantly delayed flower senescence by increasing the number of disc florets open, delayed petal fading and abscission. Gibberellic acid at 2.5, 5 or 7.5 mg L-1 significantly reduced dry matter content in the flower heads and stems of gerbera cut-flowers. Gerbera cut-flowers held in 2.5, 5 or 7.5 mg L-1 GA3 had significantly higher water content in the flower heads and stems, hence maintaining flower turgidity, reduction in bent neck and flower senescence and increased flower quality after 14 days of holding compared to flowers held in distilled water. Gibberellic acid at 2.5, 5 or 7.5 mg L-1 has the potential to be used as a gerbera cut-flower preservative solution.
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