BIBLIOGRAPHY CAMID, MARCELA L. APRIL 2007. ...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CAMID, MARCELA L. APRIL 2007. Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green
Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by Different Concentrations of
Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Fernando R. Gonzales, PhD
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the effects of holding solutions containing
different concentrations of ascorbic acid (to replace citric acid) + 20% sucrose + 1 ml
Chlorox with varying pH levels of the holding solution; on the vaselife and other
postharvest characteristics of carnation cutflowers.
Carnation cutflowers harvested at the star stage were held in different holding
solution with pH levels containing different concentrations of ascorbic acid + 20%
sucrose + 1 ml/li Chlorox.
Results revealed that the holding solutions containing 2.50 g/li ascorbic acid with
a pH of 3.87 delayed flower opening resulting to longer vaselife of cutflowers.
However, holding solutions with a pH of 6.90 or tap water only promoted better
leaf and stem quality of carnation cutflowers and were comparable with those cutflowers
held in solutions containing 2.50 g/li of ascorbic acid solution (pH 3.87).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ii
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Use of Preservatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Senescence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Water pH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Harvesting Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Longevity of the Flower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Holding Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Documentation of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Days from Holding to 50 and 100% Anthesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Percentage Neck Bending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Visual Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
Volume Taken-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
ii
Vaselife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
Final pH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
iii
1
INTRODUCTION
The cutflower industry is one of the major sources of income of farmers in the
province of Benguet. Cutflower production of roses, chrysanthemum, carnation,
anthurium and others is already widespread in the locality. The cultivation of new
species or varieties of cutflowers is then needed in order to improve the industry further.
Among the many flowering plants cultivated, carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
is one of the favorite cutflower and ornamental plants that are being profitably cultivated.
However, carnation cutflowers rapidly deteriorate once they are harvested. Respiration
after harvest and sensitivity to various gasses contribute to the physiological and physical
deterioration of carnation cutflowers.
Carnation is also a perpetual flowering type of greenhouse plant, but is usually
maintained for only one, or at the most, two years. Carnation is a cool-temperate crop
and therefore less expensive to produce than roses. It is considered as one of the costly
flowers and have a delightful fragrance and beauty.
The use of floral preservatives like citric acid was found to be very effective in all
cutflowers like carnation to lengthen their aesthetic durations; thus, the use of proper
postharvest technologies can contribute in prolonging the vaselife of cutflowers from
harvesting to senescence. Since consumers look for the aesthetic value of carnation,
damaged cutflowers such as those showing wilting; infection with insect pests and
diseases usually have lower prices compared to high quality cutflowers.
Furthermore, the high quality of harvest must be preserved from cutting of the
flowers to marketing in order to get higher prices and thus, increase in the farmer's
income. It is also necessary to prolong the postharvest life of cutflowers to reduce
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
2
postharvest losses.
This study was conducted at the Department of Horticulture Service Laboratory,
College of Agriculture, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet from January to
March 2007 to determine the effect of the various holding solutions containing different
concentrations of ascorbic acid (to replace citric acid) + 20% sucrose + 1 ml Chlorox.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Use of Preservatives
Floral preservatives are used to prolong the postharvest life of cutflowers and to
maintain their aesthetic value and quality for longer periods. Flower preservatives
usually contain carbohydrates in the form of sucrose, plus a bactericide, fungicide and a
wetting agent. The latter chemicals prevent organisms from developing in the water to
block water uptake in the sterns and improve water uptake (Hornet, 1998).
In carnation, 1 mm silver thiosulfate (STS) and 10% sucrose and a pH adjusted to
3.0-3.5 is recommended (Rimando, 1982).
Organic acids are used to lower the pH of the solutions. A low pH was shown to
favor the activity of the enzymes since acidification of the vase water tends to minimize
physiological stem blockage. A pH of 3.5 to 4.0 extends vaselife because it inhibits
indigenous enzymes essential for stern plugging. Citric acids also improve water balance
and reduce stem plugging (Alacyang, 1998).
Senescence
Senescence is a concept of physiological and biochemical process. The initial
event if senescence remains obscure, during the development of some cutflowers like
rose and carnation, a climacteric rise in ethylene production signifies the promotion of
senescence. Thereafter, a change in permeability of the tissues can be detected (Mayak,
1987).
A fresh cutfoliage is still living and actively metabolizing entity whose life span is
subsequently terminated by senescence, as distinguished from aging which involves
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
4
gradual changes that are deteriorative but not lethal in them (Leopold, 1975).
Whether it is still attached to the mother plant or not, the loss of turgidity is a very
important factor affecting senescence. Senescence especially involves deteriorative
changes which lead to death. According to Mastalerz (1977), the deteriorative process of
senescence accelerate at the moment flowers are harvested. Flowers remaining on the
plant senescence but at much slower pace. The onset of senescence is related to some
decisive factors; however, senescence triggers the cutflower at any stage of as
development.
Water pH
Acidity alteration is the most important of the three considerations of components
of a floral preservative since alkaline or high pH water, solution is damaging to
cutflowers. If it does not move through the stem, and flowers will have difficulty in
obtaining sufficient water. A low pH inhibits indigenous enzyme essential for stem
plugging (Reid, 2000) and tends to minimize physiological stem blockage.
Various chemicals are used to increase the acidity of a solution. The most
available and affordable chemical is vinegar. However, vinegar causes whitening of the
stem when included in the holding solution (Alacyang, 1998). Citric acid can also be
used to increase the acidity of the solution (Agricarta, 1999).
Harvesting Stage
Respiration rates of carnation flower is quite high and reaches a minimum at the
time when the sepal has folded out from the developing buds. At commercial harvest,
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
5
when the first petals break away from the flower body, respiration declines rapidly
(Rimando, 1982).
Generally, flowers are cut at the earliest stage in order to assure full opening and
development with good quality and longer vase life (Halevy and Mayak, 1979). Hornet
(1998) stressed that postharvest technologies cannot improve the quality of cutflowers at
harvest but rather it helps to maintain it. Rogers (1973) said that flowers that are
harvested should be placed in opening solution to prevent rapid wilting. It is important to
know the stage at which the flower as to be harvested because this will affect the
longevity of the postharvest life of the flowers (Nowak and Rudnick, 1990). For the
immediate use or for nearby markets, flowers are normally harvested when they reach the
paintbrush stage or when the flowers are fully opened (Reid, 2000).
Longevity of the Flower
Coorts (1965) found that respiratory rate for intact rose flowers was quite high
and was reduced to a minimum at the time when the sepals had folded out from the
developing bud.
At commercial harvest, when the first petals were breaking away from the flower
body, respiration declined. Further, he stated that to maintain cutflower quality,
cutflower should be harvested at the right stage of maturity; however, maturity stages
vary from flower to flower under different cultural and marketing situations.
On the other hand, the bud stage is preferred harvesting stage due to convenience
in handling and less susceptibility to adverse environmental conditions like temperature
and ethylene. Thus, it influences the respiration rate of the flowers and their response to
ethylene, moisture loss and physical change.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
6
Holding Solution
Sucrose had been shown to increase the fresh weight and longevity of cutflowers.
Sucrose also reduces moisture stress in cutflower by decreasing the size of leaf stomata
(Marousky, 1969). Flowers held in sucrose were comparable to field opened flowers,
hence it is the source of energy of cutflowers.
According to Rimando (1982), the optimum levels of sucrose must be provided to
successfully open cutflowers to quality blooms. Furthermore, the preservatives in
addition to extending the vaselife of cutflowers had been used as opening solutions for
cutflowers harvested at immature stage of flower development.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
7
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials used were‘Green Mint’ carnation cutflowers at star stage with a
uniform length of 40 cm, catsup bottles and holding solutions, stirring rod, beaker and
weighing balance in the preparation of the solution. A pH meter determine the pH level
of the preservative solutions.
The preservatives on holding solution used were the following: ascorbic acid (to
replace citric acid) at different rates to vary the pH solution; sucrose (20%) by weight and
Chlorox (1 ml/li solution).
Methods
Experimental design and treatments. The study was laid out in completely
randomized design (CRD). Three flowers represent a treatment replicated four times.
The treatments were as follows:
Code
Ascorbic acid (g/li)
pH
T1
Control (tap water only
6.90
T2
1.0
5.20
T3
1.5
4.57
T4
2.0
4.10
T5
2.5
3.87
T6
3.0
3.73
T7
3.5
3.58
T8
4.0
3.47
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
8
Cutflower preparation. Before holding the cutflowers in the different solutions,
the leaves at the lower 1/3 of the stem of carnation cutflowers were removed and recut in
a slanting manner. All cutflowers had uniform length of 40 cm. Each catsup bottle
contains 200 ml solution where the sample flowers were held.
Data gathering. The data gathered and subjected to variance analysis and mean
separation test by Duncan's multiple range tests (DMRT) were as follows:
1. Vaselife. This was obtained by counting the number of days covering the
period from holding of the cutflowers in the solution up to the termination of the aesthetic
value of the flower.
2. Volume of the solution used/taken-up. This was obtained by measuring the
volume of the solution left in the bottle upon the termination of vaselife. A bottle was
filled with similar volume of holding solution left without a flower and used as a
correction factor of the volume lost through evaporation and absorption.
3. Number of days from holding to 50% anthesis. This was obtained by counting
the number of days from holding to 50% anthesis.
4. Neck bending. This was observed at the time when the neck of flower started
to show bending.
5. Number of days from holding to full flower opening (100% anthesis). This
was done by recording the number of days from holding to full flower opening.
6. Visual quality rating (VQR). This was evaluated daily until the onset of
senescence.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
9
a. Stem quality
Index
Description
1
No browning
2
Up to 2.0 cm browning from the base of the stem
3
Up to 4.0 cm browning from the base of the stem
4
Up to 6.0 cm browning from the base of the stem
b. Leaf quality
Index
Description
0
No yellowing
1
1-10% yellowing
2
11-20% yellowing
3
21-30% yellowing
4
31-40% yellowing
5
75% yellowing
c. Flower quality
Index
Description
1
Excellent, field fresh, no defects
2
two petals wilted
3
three petals wilted
4
four petals wilted
5
five petals wilted
7. Initial and final pH of the holding solution. These were taken before
immersion of the cutflower stem ends and after the termination of the experiment.
8. Documentation by pictures.
9. Temperature. The experiment was conducted with an average temperature of
17.50 and 20.40 in the months of January and February 2007, respectively.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
10
Just after setting-up the experiment
Ten days after setting-up
Before termination of the experiment
Figure 1. Overview of the experiment
11
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Days from Holding to 50% and 100% Anthesis
Table 1 shows that there were no significant differences among the various
concentrations of ascorbic acid ranging from 1.00-4.00 g/li of the holding solutions with
pH levels ranging from 3.47-6.90 from holding to 50% anthesis. However, cutflowers
held in a solution with 2.0 g/li with a pH of 4.10 opened faster with a mean of 5.17 days
while cutflowers in the holding solution with 1.5 g/li with a pH of 4.57 had the longest
duration from the date of holding in vase to full flower opening which has a mean of 6.25
days.
Table 1. Number of days from holding to 50 and 100% anthesis
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID
50% ANTHESIS
100% ANTHESIS
CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
(days)
(days)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
────
Tap water only (6.90)
5.75a
13.79a
1.00 (5.20)
6.17a
12.59a
1.50 (4.57)
6.25a
12.67a
2.00 (4.10)
5.17a
13.75a
2.50 (3.87)
5.50a
14.59a
3.00 (3.73)
6.17a
13.25a
3.50 (3.58)
5.75a
14.21a
4.00 (3.47)
6.00a
13.88a
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
In a column, means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by
DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
12
Likewise, there were no significant effects of the various ascorbic acid
concentrations in the holding solutions with regards to duration to full flower opening
(Table 1). Results showed, however, that cutflowers held in 1.0g/li ascorbic acid with a
pH 5.20 opened faster with a mean of 12.59 days while cutflowers held in the holding
solution with 2.5 g/li ascorbic acid with a pH of 3.87 had the longest duration to full
flower opening which had a mean of 14.59 days.
Percentage Neck Bending
Table 2 shows that there were significant differences obtained on the percentage
of neck bending. Cutflowers held in solution with 3.0 g/li ascorbic acid with a pH of 3.73
had the highest percentage of neck bending with a mean of 25.00 while the lowest
percentage was observed on the cutflowers held in tap water with pH of 6.90, 5.20
(1.0g/li), 4.10
Table 2. Percentage of neck bending
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
MEAN (%)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
6.90 Tap water only (6.90)
0.00c
1.00 (5.20)
0.00c
1.50 (4.57)
8.33b
2.00 (4.10)
0.00c
2.50 (3.87)
0.00c
3.00 (3.73)
25.00a
3.50 (3.58)
16.67b
4.00 (3.47)
16.67b
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
(2.0g/li), and 3.87 (2.5g/li) with an identical means of 0.00%.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
13
Visual Quality
The visual quality for all the cutflowers in the experiment was rated from the 9th
day of holding and was done every after three days (Tables 3-5).
Stem quality. Statistically, significant effects of the different concentrations of
ascorbic acid ranging from 1.00-4.00 g/li in the holding solutions with pH levels ranging
from 3.47-6.90 were noted on the stem quality rating (Table 3). Cutflowers held in
holding solutions with lower concentrations on the 9th day had significantly higher ratings
for stem damage ranging from 1.17-1.50 which was described as up to 2.0 cm browning
from the base of the stem compared to those held in tap water only (pH 6.90) which had a
mean of 1.00,
Table 3. Stem quality rating
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID
DAY
CONCENTRATION
──────────────────────────────────────────
(g/li, pH)
9
12
15
18 21
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
1.00c 1.00c 1.00d
1.00e 1.00e
1.00 (5.20)
1.49a 1.83a 2.04a
2.21a 2.38a
1.50 (4.57)
1.46a 1.71ab 1.92ab
2.04ab 2.38a
2.00 (4.10)
1.33ab 1.58ab 1.96ab
2.21a 2.42a
2.50 (3.87)
1.42ab 1.59ab 1.79ab
1.96abc 2.09ab
3.00 (3.73)
1.33ab 1.58ab 1.75abc
1.84bcd 1.96b
3.50 (3.58)
1.50a 1.46b 1.71abc
1.75cd 2.09ab
4.00 (3.47)
1.17bc 1.38b 1.59c
1.67d 1.83b
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
In a column, means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by
DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
14
and described as no stem browning of the stem ends. However, cutflowers held in a
solution containing 3.5 g/li with a pH of 3.58 had the highest rating of 1.50 which means
1 cm browning of the stem end was observed.
On the 12th day, cutflowers held in solution in solution containing 1.0 g/li with pH
5.20 had significantly the highest mean of 1.83, likewise on the 15th day having a mean of
2.04 which means up to 2.0 cm browning from the base of the stem observed.
At day 18th, cutflowers held in solution with a 2.0 g/li (pH 4.10) had the highest
rating of 2.21. However, it was comparable with those that were held in solutions with
2.5 g/li (pH 3.87-5.20) while those held in tap water only with a pH 6.90 had no stem
browning.
On the 21th day of observation, it was observed that cuflowers held in tap water
only (pH 6.90) had significantly no stem browning; while cutflowers held in solutions
with lower pH values showed different degrees of stem browning.
These results imply that the acidifying agent helped to minimize microbial build-
up and served as pH buffer but when applied in excess may damage the stems of
cutflowers (Rimando, 1980).
Leaf quality. Table 4 shows that there were significant differences with regards to
leaf quality of cutflowers held in different concentrations of ascorbic acid in the holding
solution. On day 9, cutflowers held in solution of 3.0 g/li having a pH of 3.73 had the
highest leaf quality of 0.84 which means less than 1-10% leaf yellowing was observed
while the lowest rating was noted on cutflowers held in tap water only (pH 6.90) with a
mean of 0.00 which means that these were no yellowing of leaves observed.
At day 12, cutflowers held in solution with a pH of 3.73 and 5.20 had the highest
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
15
leaf quality rating of 1.67 which means that 1-10% leaf yellowing was noted. However,
on the 15th day, cutflowers held at pH 3.73 had again the highest rating of 2.59 which
means 11-Table 4. Leaf quality rating
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID
DAY
CONCENTRATION
──────────────────────────────────────────
(g/li, pH)
9
12
15
18 21
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
0.00b 0.00b 0.00b
0.00b 0.00b
1.00 (5.20)
0.75a 1.67a 2.25a
3.42a 4.83a
1.50 (4.57)
0.83a 1.50a 2.25a
3.25a 5.00a
2.00 (4.10)
0.67a 1.50a 2.42a
3.17a 4.50a
2.50 (3.87)
0.59a 1.34a 2.25a
3.17a 4.75a
3.00 (3.73)
0.84a 1.67a 2.59a
3.33a 4.595a
3.50 (3.58)
0.58a 1.50a 2.25a
3.17a 4.50a
4.00 (3.47)
0.75a 1.42a 2.25a
3.17a 4.67a
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
In a column, means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by
DMRT
20% yellowing in the leaves was attained.
On the 18th day, cutflowers held in solution with 1.0 g/li with a pH 5.20 resulted
to a rating of 3.42 for the highest percentage of yellowing of the cutflower leaves.
Lastly, at day 21, cutflowers held in 1.5 g/li of ascorbic acid (pH 4.57) had the
highest rating of 5.00 which was described as 75% leaf yellowing while no leaf
yellowing was noted on cutflowers held in tap water only (pH 6.90).
Flower quality. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences
observed on the flower quality rating at days 9 and 15 (Table 5). On the 9th day of
observation, cutflowers held in solution with 1.0 g/li of ascorbic acid with a pH 5.20 had
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
16
the highest rating of 2.08 with two petals wilted; while cutflowers held in solution with
2.5 g/li (pH 3.87) and 4.0 g/li of ascorbic acid (pH 3.47) had the lowest rating of 1.33
which was Table 5. Flower quality rating
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID
DAY
CONCENTRATION
──────────────────────────────────────────
(g/li, pH)
9
12
15
18
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
1.67ab 2.58a 4.17ab 6.84a
1.00 (5.20)
2.08a 2.92a 4.58a
5.00a
1.50 (4.57)
1.83ab 2.67a 4.42ab 4.92a
2.00 (4.10)
1.75ab 2.33a 3.92ab 4.84a
2.50 (3.87)
1.33b 2.08a 2.83c
4.33a
3.00 (3.73)
1.67ab 2.59a 4.17ab 4.75a
3.50 (3.58)
1.67ab 2.33a 4.17ab 4.75a
4.00 (3.47)
1.33b 2.25a 3.42bc 4.75a
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
In a column, means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by
DMRT
described as excellent, field fresh and no defects.
The flower quality rating of cutflowers at days 12 and 18 were comparable.
However, on the 15th day of observations, those that were held in solution with 2.50 g/li
with a pH of 3.87 had significantly better quality than cutflowers held in solution with the
other ascorbic acid concentrations evaluated.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
17
Rogers (1973) observed that chemical preservatives were used to maintain flower
quality and extend vaselife of cutflowers. They were also used as opening solutions for
flowers at immature stage, but excess chemicals added to the vase solutions may lead to
early deterioration. The basic components of most preservatives are: a source to enhance
the water retaining capacity of the tissues and as a source of substrate; a germicide to help
maintain the efficient uptake and water conducting function of the stem; as acidifying
agent and a buffer to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes; and heavy metals to help
stabilize color and prevent microbial build-up.
Volume Taken-up
Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in the volume of
the solution used or taken-up by the cutflowers as affected by the different ascorbic acid
levels in the holding solution (Table 6). Results showed that cutflowers held in tap water
only (pH 6.90) had the highest volume absorbed with a mean of 49.17 ml. On the other
hand, cutflowers held in solution with 3.5 g/li ascorbic acid having a pH of 3.58 had the
lowest volume of solution absorbed with a mean of only 28.17 ml.
These findings confirmed the earlier findings of Kebasen (2002) who found that
carnation harvested at star and cross stages and held in tap water only, had the highest
Table 6. Volume of solution used/taken-up
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
MEAN (ml)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
49.17a
1.00 (5.20)
35.75c
1.50 (4.57)
28.25d
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
18
2.00 (4.10)
29.00d
2.50 (3.87)
30.58d
3.00 (3.73)
29.58d
3.50 (3.58)
28.17d
4.00 (3.47)
40.25b
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
volume of solution taken-up.
Vaselife
Table 7 showed the vaselife of the cutflowers as affected by the different ascorbic
acid concentrations with various pH levels of the holding solutions. Results showed that
cutflowers held in 2.5 g/li (pH 3.87) had the longest vaselife of 18.12 days but were
comparable to those held 2.0-4.0 g/li having pH 3.47, 3.58, 3.73, 4.10, and 6.90.
Cutflowers held in 1.0 g/li of ascorbic acid (pH 5.20) had the shortest vaselife of 14.67
days.
Rimando (1980) stated that the lose of turgidity, exposure to ethylene and
shortage of respirable substances are the most decisive factors which may trigger the
onset of senescence of cutflowers at any stage of their development, whether they are still
attached or already detached from the parent plant.
Table 7. Vaselife
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
MEAN (days)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
16.09abc
1.00 (5.20)
14.67c
1.50 (4.57)
15.42bc
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
19
2.00 (4.10)
16.26abc
2.50 (3.87)
18.12a
3.00 (3.73)
16.08abc
3.50 (3.58)
16.67abc
4.00 (3.47)
17.09ab
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Furthermore, vaselife could have been affected by the microoganisms present in
sucrose solutions which have caused stem plugging. These microorganisms hindered the
entry of water into the stem and to other parts of the cutflowers to maintain turgidity as
well as the distribution of food on the different parts of the cutflowers (Whealy, 1992;
Rogers, 1973).
However, adding floral preservatives to the holding solutions have been very
effective in extending the vaselife of cutflowers because they provide food. Acidifiers
also helps to reduce bacterial action that may lead to early deterioration of cutflowers.
The bactericide or germicides kills bacteria in the solution and preclogging of the stem
ends that can resist water uptake.
Final pH
The final pH solutions containing various ascorbic acid concentrations after the
termination of the experiment is shown in Table 8. Based from the results, there was a
decrease in the pH of the holding solutions and became more acidic that affected the
vaselife of the cutflowers. The acidity of the different concentrations significantly
affected how the respiratory substrates were utilized and increase of the microbial build-
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
20
up in the holding solutions. Rimando and Maralit (1980) pointed out that lower pH of
opening solutions is advantageous to cutflowers as it helps minimize microbial build-up
and inhibit the activity of certain enzymes leading to early senescence.
Table 8. Final pH of the holding solution
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
FINAL pH
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
(Tap water only (6.90)
7.0
1.00 (5.20)
3.2
1.50 (4.57)
3.0
2.00 (4.10)
3.1
2.50 (3.87)
3.0
3.00 (3.73)
3.2
3.50 (3.58)
3.1
4.00 (3.47)
3.1
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
21
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
Carnation (‘Green Mint’) were harvested at star stage. The stem ends were recut
in a slanting manner and had a uniform stem length of 40 cm. Leaves at the lower 1/3 of
the stem were removed and the stem ends were held in holding solutions containing
different concentrations of ascorbic acid (to replace citric acid) + 20% sucrose + 1 ml
Chlorox.
Based on the results of the study, there were not significant differences on the
number of days from holding to 50 and 100% of anthesis. Cutflowers held in solutions
with different concentrations of ascorbic acid with various pH levels. However,
cutflowers held in a solution with 2.5 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 3.87) had the longest
duration to full flower opening.
With regards to percentage neck bending, cutflowers held in holding solution with
3.0 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 3.73) had the highest percentage of neck bending.
Observations on stem quality rating showed that cutflowers held in tap water only
(pH 6.90) had no stem browning up to 21 days of observations; while cutflowers held in
the different holding solution with ascorbic acid concentrations showed stem browning
from the base of the stem. It was also observed that in leaf quality rating, cutflowers held
in tap water did not have leaf yellowing up to the termination of the experiment; while
cutflowers held in the different holding solutions with ascorbic acid had yellowing of the
leaves; hence, holding solutions with 1.5 g/li ascorbic acid (pH of 4.57) had the highest
percentage of yellowing (75%). With regards to flower quality rating, holding solution
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
22
with 2.5 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 3.87) had the best flower quality..
On the other hand, cutflowers held in tap water only (pH 6.90) had the highest
volume of solution absorbed while cutflowers held in solutions with 2.0 and 1.0 g/li of
ascorbic acid (pH 4.10 and 5.20) absorbed comparable amounts of the solutions.
However, in the final pH of the holding solution, there was a decrease in the pH
of the holding solutions which means that the solutions became more acidic except for
the tap water. Cutflowers held in 1.5 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 3.87) had the longest vaselife
of 18.122 days while the shortest was observed in cutflowers held in solution containing
1.0 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 5.20) with a mean of 14.69 days.
Conclusion
Results showed that using holding solution with 2.5 g/li of ascorbic acid 2.5 g/li +
20% sucrose (by weight) + 1 ml/li Chlorox with a pH of 3.87 delayed flower opening
resulting to longer vaselife of carnation cutflowers (‘Green Mint’). However, it was
comparable to those cutflowers held in tap water only.
Recommendation
It is therefore recommended, that a holding solution with 2.5 g/li of ascorbic acid
+ 20% sucrose (by weight) + 1 ml/li Chlorox having a pH of 3.87 can be used to delay
flower opening, in carnation cutflowers harvested at star stage to prolong vaselife with
better cutflower quality.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
23
LITERATURE CITED
AGRICARTA. 1999. Agricarta: Postharvest care of cutflowers. http:www.aginfonet.
comlagricartalcontent SK dried flower/postharvest care.
ALACYANG, J.K. 1998. Influence of different holding solution on the postharvest life
of
carnation cvs. Desio and Orange. BS Thesis. BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Pp.8
COORTS, G.D. 1965. Effects of senescence and preservatives on respiration in
cutflower.
Rona Hybrid, ‘Velvet Time’. Proc.Amer.Soc.Hort.Sci. Pp.
779-780.
HALEVY, A.H. and S. MAYAK. 1979. Senescence and postharvest physiology of
cutflowers. Hort.Rev. 3:59-143.
HORNET. 1998. Hort FACT-Cutflowers and foliage. Cooling requirements and
temperature management.http://HYPERLINK http://www.hornet.co.nz
www.co.nz./publications/hortfacts.
LEOPOLD, A.C. 1975. Aging, senescence and turning-over in plants. Bio.Sci.25
:659-662.
MAROUSKY, F.J. 1969. Vascular blockage, water absorption, stomata opening and
respiration of ‘Cut Better Time’ rose treated with 8-hydroxyquiendine Carate.
Amer. Hort.Sci. 94 :223-229.
MASTALERZ, J.W. 1977. The Greenhouse Environment. New York: John Wiley and
Sons. P. 629.
MAYAK, S. 1987. Senescence of cutflowers. Hort.Sci.22:863-865.
NOWAK, J. and R.M.RUDNICK. 1990. Postharvest Handling and Storage of
cutflowers, Florist Green.
REID, M.S. 2000. Postharvest Technology, Research and Information Center. http://
postharvest.vedavis. edu/index. html.
RIMANDO,T.J. 1982. Postharvest physiology and handling of cutflower. A
Professional Chair Lecturer on Ornamental Horticulture,UPLB-CA, College,
Laguna. 35 pp.
_____ and M.C MARALIT 1980. Postharvest hardling and opening in vitro of shasta
daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum L.).Paper presented at the Annual Conference
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
24
of the Crop Science Society of the Phil. VISCA, Baybay, Leyte. 14 Pp.
ROGERS, H.M. 1973. A historical and critical review of postharvest physiology
research on cutflower. Hort.Sci.8 (3):189-194.
WHEALY. A.C. 1992. Carnation : Introduction to Floriculture. New York:
Larson.Academic Press. Pp. 43-46.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
25
APPENDICES
Appendix Table 1. Number of days from holding to 50% anthesis
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
5.67 6.00
5.67 5.67
23.01 5.75
T2
6.00 6.33
6.67 5.67
24.67 6.17
T3
5.67 6.33
6.67 6.33
25.00 6.25
T4
5.00 5.67
5.00 5.00
20.67 5.17
T5
6.00 5.00
6.00 5.00
22.00 5.50
T6
6.00 6.67
7.00 5.00
24.67 6.17
T7
5.67 5.33
6.00 6.00
23.00 5.75
T8
6.67 5.67
5.67 6.00
24.01 6.00
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
3.970 0.567 2.34ns 2.43
3.50
Error
24
5.810 0.242
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
9.779
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ns = Not significant
Coefficient of variation = 8.42%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
26
Appendix Table 2. Number of days from holding to full flower opening (100%)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
13.17 13.83
14.00 14.17
55.17
13.79
T2
12.67 12.17
13.17 12.33
50.34
12.59
T3
12.17 14.67
12.50 11.33
50.67
12.67
T4
14.33 13.50
14.67 12.50
55.00
13.75
T5
14.50 14.17
16.00 13.67
58.34
14.59
T6
14.67 12.33
13.00 13.00
53.00
13.25
T7
14.50 12.83
14.83 14.67
56.83
14.21
T8
15.67 14.17
12.67 13.00
55.51
13.88
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
13.989 1.998 2.00ns 2.43
3.50
Error
24
24.161 1.007
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
38.150
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ns = Not significant
Coefficient of variation = 7.38%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
27
Appendix Table 3. Percentage neck bending
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.00
0.000
T2
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.00
0.000
T3
0.000 0.000
33.33 0.000
33.33
8.333
T4
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.00
0.000
T5
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.00
0.000
T6
33.33 0.000
33.33 33.33
99.99
24.998
T7
33.33 3.333
0.000 0.000
66.66
16.665
T8
0.000 0.000
66.67 0.000
66.67
16.667
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
2777.389 396.770 5.56** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
6110.889 254.620
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
8888.278
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
19.49%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
28
Appendix Table 4. Stem quality at day 9
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
1.50 1.33
1.50 1.50
5.83
1.46
T3
1.33 1.67
1.17 1.67
5.84
1.46
T4
1.50 1.33
1.17 1.33
5.33
1.33
T5
1.67 1.33
1.17 1.50
5.67
1.42
T6
1.33 1.33
1.67 1.00
5.33
1.33
T7
1.50 1.67
1.33 1.50
6.00
1.50
T8
1.33 1.00
1.17 1.17
4.67
1.17
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
0.820 0.117 3.79** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
0.742 0.031
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
1.561
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
13.18%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
29
Appendix Table 5. Stem quality at day 12
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
1.83 1.50
1.83 2.17
7.33
1.83
T3
1.50 1.67
1.50 2.17
6.84
1.71
T4
1.83 1.33
1.33 1.83
6.32
1.58
T5
1.50 1.67
1.50 1.67
6.34
1.59
T6
1.67 1.50
1.83 1.33
6.33
1.58
T7
1.83 1.17
1.33 1.50
5.83
1.46
T8
1.33 1.17
1.50 1.50
5.50
1.38
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
1.763 0.252 4.8**
2.43
3.50
Error
24
1.259 0.052
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
3.022
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
15.12%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
30
Appendix Table 6. Stem quality at day 15
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
2.17 1.67
2.00 2.33
8.17
2.04
T3
1.67 2.17
1.67 2.17
7.68
1.92
T4
2.00 1.67
2.00 2.17
7.84
1.96
T5
1.83 1.83
1.83 1.67
7.16
1.79
T6
1.83 1.50
2.00 1.67
7.00
1.75
T7
1.83 1.50
1.67 1.83
6.83
1.71
T8
1.50 1.67
1.50 1.67
6.34
1.59
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
2.977 0.425 11.58** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
0.881 0.037
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
3.858
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
11.14%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
31
Appendix Table 7. Stem quality at day 18
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
2.17 1.83
2.33 2.50
8.83
2.21
T3
1.83 2.17
2.00 2.17
8.17
2.04
T4
2.00 2.17
2.17 2.50
8.84
2.21
T5
2.17 1.83
2.00 1.83
7.83
1.96
T6
2.00 1.67
2.00 1.67
7.34
1.84
T7
1.83 1.50
1.83 1.83
6.99
1.75
T8
1.67 1.67
1.67 1.67
6.68
1.67
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
4.278 0.611 20.22** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
0.725 0.030
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
5.004
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 9.48%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
32
Appendix Table 8. Stem quality at day 21
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
2.33 2.00
2.50 2.67
9.50
2.38
T3
2.17 2.50
2.33 2.50
9.50
2.38
T4
2.00 2.67
2.17 2.83
9.67
2.42
T5
2.17 2.00
2.00 2.17
8.34
2.09
T6
2.00 1.83
2.17 1.83
7.83
1.96
T7
2.00 1.67
2.00 2.67
8.34
2.09
T8
1.83 2.00
1.83 1.67
7.33
1.83
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
5.991 0.856 13.86** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
1.482 0.062
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
7.473
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
12.33%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
33
Appendix Table 9. Leaf quality at day 9
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
0.33 1.00
1.00 0.67
3.00
0.75
T3
0.33 1.00
1.00 1.00
3.33
0.83
T4
0.33 0.33
1.00 1.00
2.66
0.67
T5
0.67 0.00
1.00 0.67
2.34
0.59
T6
1.00 0.67
0.67 1.00
3.34
0.84
T7
0.33 1.00
0.67 0.33
2.33
0.58
T8
0.67 0.33
1.00 1.00
3.00
0.75
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
2.056 0.294 3.00*
2.43
3.50
Error
24
2.348 0.098
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
4.405
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
* = Significant
Coefficient of variation = 50.05%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
34
Appendix Table 10. Leaf quality at day 12
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
1.33 1.67
2.00 1.67
6.67
1.67
T3
1.33 1.67
1.33 1.67
6.00
1.50
T4
1.00 1.33
1.67 2.00
6.00
1.50
T5
1.67 1.00
1.00 1.67
5.34
1.34
T6
1.33 1.67
1.67 2.00
6.67
1.67
T7
1.33 1.67
2.00 1.00
6.00
1.50
T8
1.33 1.00
1.67 1.67
5.67
1.42
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
8.363 1.195 11.76** 2.43 3.50
Error
24
2.439 0.102
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
10.802
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
24.09%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
35
Appendix Table 11. Leaf quality at day 15
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
2.33 2.00
2.33 2.33
8.99
2.25
T3
2.00 2.67
2.33 2.00
9.00
2.25
T4
2.33 2.33
2.33 2.67
9.66
2.42
T5
2.67 2.00
2.00 2.33
9.00
2.25
T6
2.67 2.33
2.67 2.67
10.34
2.59
T7
2.00 2.33
2.67 2.00
9.00
2.25
T8
2.67 2.00
2.33 2.00
9.00
2.25
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
19.272 2.753 44.46** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
1.486 0.062
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
20.758
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
12.25%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
36
Appendix Table 12. Leaf quality at day 18
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
3.33 3.67
3.33 3.33
13.66
3.42
T3
3.00 3.33
3.67 3.00
13.00
3.25
T4
3.00 3.33
3.33 3.00
12.66
3.17
T5
3.00 3.00
3.33 3.33
12.66
3.17
T6
3.33 3.33
3.00 3.67
13.33
3.33
T7
3.00 3.00
3.67 3.00
12.67
3.17
T8
3.00 3.33
3.33 3.00
12.66
3.17
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
36.922 5.275 98.72** 2.43 3.50
Error
24
1.282 0.053
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
38.205
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 8.16%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
37
Appendix Table 13. Leaf quality at day 21
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
4.67 5.00
5.00 4.67
19.34
4.84
T3
5.00 5.00
5.00 5.00
20.00
5.00
T4
4.00 4.33
4.67 5.00
18.00
4.50
T5
5.00 4.67
4.67 4.67
19.01
4.75
T6
4.00 4.67
4.67 5.00
18.34
4.59
T7
4.67 4.33
5.00 4.00
18.00
4.50
T8
4.33 4.33
5.00 5.00
18.66
4.67
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
77.841 11.120 116.85** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
2.284 0.095
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
80.125
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 7.52%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
38
Appendix Table 14. Flower quality at day 9
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.67 1.67
1.67 1.67
6.68
1.67
T2
2.00 2.33
2.33 1.67
8.33
2.08
T3
2.00 1.33
2.00 2.00
7.33
1.83
T4
1.33 2.00
1.33 2.33
6.99
1.75
T5
1.00 1.33
1.33 1.67
5.33
1.33
T6
1.33 2.00
1.67 1.67
6.67
1.67
T7
1.67 2.00
1.67 1.33
6.67
1.67
T8
1.00 1.67
1.33 1.33
5.33
1.33
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
1.721 0.246 2.58*
2.43
3.50
Error
24
2.286 0.095
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
4.007
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
* = Significant
Coefficient of variation = 18.52%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
39
Appendix Table 15. Flower quality at day 12
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
3.00 2.33
2.67 2.33
10.33
2.58
T2
2.67 3.00
3.00 3.00
11.67
2.92
T3
3.00 2.00
3.00 2.67
10.67
2.67
T4
2.00 2.33
2.00 3.00
9.33
2.33
T5
1.33 2.00
2.33 2.67
8.33
2.08
T6
1.67 3.00
2.67 3.00
10.34
2.59
T7
2.00 2.33
2.33 2.67
9.33
2.33
T8
1.33 2.00
2.67 3.00
9.00
2.25
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
2.006 0.287 1.19ns
2.43
3.50
Error
24
5.765 0.240
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
7.771
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ns = Not significant
Coefficient of variation = 19.85%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
40
Appendix Table 16. Flower quality at day 15
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
4.33 3.33
4.67 4.33
16.66
4.17
T2
4.33 5.00
4.33 4.67
18.33
4.58
T3
5.00 3.33
5.00 4.33
17.66
4.42
T4
3.67 4.33
2.67 5.00
15.67
3.92
T5
2.33 3.33
2.67 3.00
11.33
2.83
T6
3.00 4.67
4.33 4.67
16.67
4.17
T7
4.00 4.67
4.33 3.67
16.67
4.17
T8
2.66 3.33
3.67 4.00
13.66
3.42
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
9.171 1.310 3.10* 2.43
3.50
Error
24
10.132 0.422
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
19.303
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
* = Significant
Coefficient of variation = 16.42%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
41
Appendix Table 17. Flower quality at day 18
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
5.00 4.67
5.00 4.67
19.34
4.84
T2
5.00 5.00
5.00 5.00
20.00
5.00
T3
5.00 4.67
5.00 5.00
19.67
4.92
T4
5.00 4.67
4.67 5.00
19.34
4.84
T5
4.00 4.33
4.33 4.67
17.33
4.33
T6
4.00 5.00
5.00 5.00
19.00
4.75
T7
4.67 4.67
4.67 5.00
19.01
4.75
T8
4.33 4.67
5.00 5.00
19.00
4.75
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
══════0═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
1.102 0.157 2.27ns
2.43
3.50
Error
24
1.663 0.069
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
2.766
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ns = Not significant
Coefficient of variation = 5.52%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
42
Appendix Table 18. Vaselife (days)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III
IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
15.67 17.00
15.17 16.50
64.34
16.09
T2
15.00 14.00
14.67 15.00
58.67
14.67
T3
14.33 17.33
15.00 15.00
61.66
15.42
T4
16.67 16.00
18.00 14.37
65.04
16.26
T5
19.33 17.83
18.33 17.00
72.49
18.12
T6
18.67 15.33
15.33 15.00
64.33
16.08
T7
16.33 17.00
16.67 16.67
66.67
16.67
T8
19.67 17.50
15.17 16.00
68.34
17.09
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
30.465 4.352 2.71*
2.43
3.50
Error
24
38.479 1.603
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
68.944
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
* = Significant
Coefficient of variation = 7.77%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
43
Appendix Table 19. Volume absorbed (ml)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III
IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
45.33 50.67
49.00 51.67
196.67 49.17
T2
38.33 33.33
35.33 36.00
142.99 35.75
T3
32.00 29.00
25.33 26.67
113.00 28.25
T4
32.33 29.33
28.00 26.33
115.99 29.00
T5
28.33 32.67
32.00 29.33
122.33 30.58
T6
33.00 28.00
30.00 27.33
118.33 29.58
T7
26.00 29.00
25.67 32.00
112.67 28.17
T8
38.00 43.00
39.33 40.67
161.00 40.25
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
1581.086 225.869 35.34** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
153.406 6.392
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
1734.493
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 7.47%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
CAMID, MARCELA L. APRIL 2007. Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green
Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by Different Concentrations of
Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Fernando R. Gonzales, PhD
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the effects of holding solutions containing
different concentrations of ascorbic acid (to replace citric acid) + 20% sucrose + 1 ml
Chlorox with varying pH levels of the holding solution; on the vaselife and other
postharvest characteristics of carnation cutflowers.
Carnation cutflowers harvested at the star stage were held in different holding
solution with pH levels containing different concentrations of ascorbic acid + 20%
sucrose + 1 ml/li Chlorox.
Results revealed that the holding solutions containing 2.50 g/li ascorbic acid with
a pH of 3.87 delayed flower opening resulting to longer vaselife of cutflowers.
However, holding solutions with a pH of 6.90 or tap water only promoted better
leaf and stem quality of carnation cutflowers and were comparable with those cutflowers
held in solutions containing 2.50 g/li of ascorbic acid solution (pH 3.87).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ii
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Use of Preservatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Senescence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Water pH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Harvesting Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Longevity of the Flower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Holding Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Documentation of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Days from Holding to 50 and 100% Anthesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Percentage Neck Bending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Visual Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
Volume Taken-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
ii
Vaselife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
Final pH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
iii
1
INTRODUCTION
The cutflower industry is one of the major sources of income of farmers in the
province of Benguet. Cutflower production of roses, chrysanthemum, carnation,
anthurium and others is already widespread in the locality. The cultivation of new
species or varieties of cutflowers is then needed in order to improve the industry further.
Among the many flowering plants cultivated, carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
is one of the favorite cutflower and ornamental plants that are being profitably cultivated.
However, carnation cutflowers rapidly deteriorate once they are harvested. Respiration
after harvest and sensitivity to various gasses contribute to the physiological and physical
deterioration of carnation cutflowers.
Carnation is also a perpetual flowering type of greenhouse plant, but is usually
maintained for only one, or at the most, two years. Carnation is a cool-temperate crop
and therefore less expensive to produce than roses. It is considered as one of the costly
flowers and have a delightful fragrance and beauty.
The use of floral preservatives like citric acid was found to be very effective in all
cutflowers like carnation to lengthen their aesthetic durations; thus, the use of proper
postharvest technologies can contribute in prolonging the vaselife of cutflowers from
harvesting to senescence. Since consumers look for the aesthetic value of carnation,
damaged cutflowers such as those showing wilting; infection with insect pests and
diseases usually have lower prices compared to high quality cutflowers.
Furthermore, the high quality of harvest must be preserved from cutting of the
flowers to marketing in order to get higher prices and thus, increase in the farmer's
income. It is also necessary to prolong the postharvest life of cutflowers to reduce
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
2
postharvest losses.
This study was conducted at the Department of Horticulture Service Laboratory,
College of Agriculture, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet from January to
March 2007 to determine the effect of the various holding solutions containing different
concentrations of ascorbic acid (to replace citric acid) + 20% sucrose + 1 ml Chlorox.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Use of Preservatives
Floral preservatives are used to prolong the postharvest life of cutflowers and to
maintain their aesthetic value and quality for longer periods. Flower preservatives
usually contain carbohydrates in the form of sucrose, plus a bactericide, fungicide and a
wetting agent. The latter chemicals prevent organisms from developing in the water to
block water uptake in the sterns and improve water uptake (Hornet, 1998).
In carnation, 1 mm silver thiosulfate (STS) and 10% sucrose and a pH adjusted to
3.0-3.5 is recommended (Rimando, 1982).
Organic acids are used to lower the pH of the solutions. A low pH was shown to
favor the activity of the enzymes since acidification of the vase water tends to minimize
physiological stem blockage. A pH of 3.5 to 4.0 extends vaselife because it inhibits
indigenous enzymes essential for stern plugging. Citric acids also improve water balance
and reduce stem plugging (Alacyang, 1998).
Senescence
Senescence is a concept of physiological and biochemical process. The initial
event if senescence remains obscure, during the development of some cutflowers like
rose and carnation, a climacteric rise in ethylene production signifies the promotion of
senescence. Thereafter, a change in permeability of the tissues can be detected (Mayak,
1987).
A fresh cutfoliage is still living and actively metabolizing entity whose life span is
subsequently terminated by senescence, as distinguished from aging which involves
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
4
gradual changes that are deteriorative but not lethal in them (Leopold, 1975).
Whether it is still attached to the mother plant or not, the loss of turgidity is a very
important factor affecting senescence. Senescence especially involves deteriorative
changes which lead to death. According to Mastalerz (1977), the deteriorative process of
senescence accelerate at the moment flowers are harvested. Flowers remaining on the
plant senescence but at much slower pace. The onset of senescence is related to some
decisive factors; however, senescence triggers the cutflower at any stage of as
development.
Water pH
Acidity alteration is the most important of the three considerations of components
of a floral preservative since alkaline or high pH water, solution is damaging to
cutflowers. If it does not move through the stem, and flowers will have difficulty in
obtaining sufficient water. A low pH inhibits indigenous enzyme essential for stem
plugging (Reid, 2000) and tends to minimize physiological stem blockage.
Various chemicals are used to increase the acidity of a solution. The most
available and affordable chemical is vinegar. However, vinegar causes whitening of the
stem when included in the holding solution (Alacyang, 1998). Citric acid can also be
used to increase the acidity of the solution (Agricarta, 1999).
Harvesting Stage
Respiration rates of carnation flower is quite high and reaches a minimum at the
time when the sepal has folded out from the developing buds. At commercial harvest,
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
5
when the first petals break away from the flower body, respiration declines rapidly
(Rimando, 1982).
Generally, flowers are cut at the earliest stage in order to assure full opening and
development with good quality and longer vase life (Halevy and Mayak, 1979). Hornet
(1998) stressed that postharvest technologies cannot improve the quality of cutflowers at
harvest but rather it helps to maintain it. Rogers (1973) said that flowers that are
harvested should be placed in opening solution to prevent rapid wilting. It is important to
know the stage at which the flower as to be harvested because this will affect the
longevity of the postharvest life of the flowers (Nowak and Rudnick, 1990). For the
immediate use or for nearby markets, flowers are normally harvested when they reach the
paintbrush stage or when the flowers are fully opened (Reid, 2000).
Longevity of the Flower
Coorts (1965) found that respiratory rate for intact rose flowers was quite high
and was reduced to a minimum at the time when the sepals had folded out from the
developing bud.
At commercial harvest, when the first petals were breaking away from the flower
body, respiration declined. Further, he stated that to maintain cutflower quality,
cutflower should be harvested at the right stage of maturity; however, maturity stages
vary from flower to flower under different cultural and marketing situations.
On the other hand, the bud stage is preferred harvesting stage due to convenience
in handling and less susceptibility to adverse environmental conditions like temperature
and ethylene. Thus, it influences the respiration rate of the flowers and their response to
ethylene, moisture loss and physical change.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
6
Holding Solution
Sucrose had been shown to increase the fresh weight and longevity of cutflowers.
Sucrose also reduces moisture stress in cutflower by decreasing the size of leaf stomata
(Marousky, 1969). Flowers held in sucrose were comparable to field opened flowers,
hence it is the source of energy of cutflowers.
According to Rimando (1982), the optimum levels of sucrose must be provided to
successfully open cutflowers to quality blooms. Furthermore, the preservatives in
addition to extending the vaselife of cutflowers had been used as opening solutions for
cutflowers harvested at immature stage of flower development.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
7
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials used were‘Green Mint’ carnation cutflowers at star stage with a
uniform length of 40 cm, catsup bottles and holding solutions, stirring rod, beaker and
weighing balance in the preparation of the solution. A pH meter determine the pH level
of the preservative solutions.
The preservatives on holding solution used were the following: ascorbic acid (to
replace citric acid) at different rates to vary the pH solution; sucrose (20%) by weight and
Chlorox (1 ml/li solution).
Methods
Experimental design and treatments. The study was laid out in completely
randomized design (CRD). Three flowers represent a treatment replicated four times.
The treatments were as follows:
Code
Ascorbic acid (g/li)
pH
T1
Control (tap water only
6.90
T2
1.0
5.20
T3
1.5
4.57
T4
2.0
4.10
T5
2.5
3.87
T6
3.0
3.73
T7
3.5
3.58
T8
4.0
3.47
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
8
Cutflower preparation. Before holding the cutflowers in the different solutions,
the leaves at the lower 1/3 of the stem of carnation cutflowers were removed and recut in
a slanting manner. All cutflowers had uniform length of 40 cm. Each catsup bottle
contains 200 ml solution where the sample flowers were held.
Data gathering. The data gathered and subjected to variance analysis and mean
separation test by Duncan's multiple range tests (DMRT) were as follows:
1. Vaselife. This was obtained by counting the number of days covering the
period from holding of the cutflowers in the solution up to the termination of the aesthetic
value of the flower.
2. Volume of the solution used/taken-up. This was obtained by measuring the
volume of the solution left in the bottle upon the termination of vaselife. A bottle was
filled with similar volume of holding solution left without a flower and used as a
correction factor of the volume lost through evaporation and absorption.
3. Number of days from holding to 50% anthesis. This was obtained by counting
the number of days from holding to 50% anthesis.
4. Neck bending. This was observed at the time when the neck of flower started
to show bending.
5. Number of days from holding to full flower opening (100% anthesis). This
was done by recording the number of days from holding to full flower opening.
6. Visual quality rating (VQR). This was evaluated daily until the onset of
senescence.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
9
a. Stem quality
Index
Description
1
No browning
2
Up to 2.0 cm browning from the base of the stem
3
Up to 4.0 cm browning from the base of the stem
4
Up to 6.0 cm browning from the base of the stem
b. Leaf quality
Index
Description
0
No yellowing
1
1-10% yellowing
2
11-20% yellowing
3
21-30% yellowing
4
31-40% yellowing
5
75% yellowing
c. Flower quality
Index
Description
1
Excellent, field fresh, no defects
2
two petals wilted
3
three petals wilted
4
four petals wilted
5
five petals wilted
7. Initial and final pH of the holding solution. These were taken before
immersion of the cutflower stem ends and after the termination of the experiment.
8. Documentation by pictures.
9. Temperature. The experiment was conducted with an average temperature of
17.50 and 20.40 in the months of January and February 2007, respectively.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
10
Just after setting-up the experiment
Ten days after setting-up
Before termination of the experiment
Figure 1. Overview of the experiment
11
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Days from Holding to 50% and 100% Anthesis
Table 1 shows that there were no significant differences among the various
concentrations of ascorbic acid ranging from 1.00-4.00 g/li of the holding solutions with
pH levels ranging from 3.47-6.90 from holding to 50% anthesis. However, cutflowers
held in a solution with 2.0 g/li with a pH of 4.10 opened faster with a mean of 5.17 days
while cutflowers in the holding solution with 1.5 g/li with a pH of 4.57 had the longest
duration from the date of holding in vase to full flower opening which has a mean of 6.25
days.
Table 1. Number of days from holding to 50 and 100% anthesis
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID
50% ANTHESIS
100% ANTHESIS
CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
(days)
(days)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
────
Tap water only (6.90)
5.75a
13.79a
1.00 (5.20)
6.17a
12.59a
1.50 (4.57)
6.25a
12.67a
2.00 (4.10)
5.17a
13.75a
2.50 (3.87)
5.50a
14.59a
3.00 (3.73)
6.17a
13.25a
3.50 (3.58)
5.75a
14.21a
4.00 (3.47)
6.00a
13.88a
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
In a column, means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by
DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
12
Likewise, there were no significant effects of the various ascorbic acid
concentrations in the holding solutions with regards to duration to full flower opening
(Table 1). Results showed, however, that cutflowers held in 1.0g/li ascorbic acid with a
pH 5.20 opened faster with a mean of 12.59 days while cutflowers held in the holding
solution with 2.5 g/li ascorbic acid with a pH of 3.87 had the longest duration to full
flower opening which had a mean of 14.59 days.
Percentage Neck Bending
Table 2 shows that there were significant differences obtained on the percentage
of neck bending. Cutflowers held in solution with 3.0 g/li ascorbic acid with a pH of 3.73
had the highest percentage of neck bending with a mean of 25.00 while the lowest
percentage was observed on the cutflowers held in tap water with pH of 6.90, 5.20
(1.0g/li), 4.10
Table 2. Percentage of neck bending
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
MEAN (%)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
6.90 Tap water only (6.90)
0.00c
1.00 (5.20)
0.00c
1.50 (4.57)
8.33b
2.00 (4.10)
0.00c
2.50 (3.87)
0.00c
3.00 (3.73)
25.00a
3.50 (3.58)
16.67b
4.00 (3.47)
16.67b
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
(2.0g/li), and 3.87 (2.5g/li) with an identical means of 0.00%.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
13
Visual Quality
The visual quality for all the cutflowers in the experiment was rated from the 9th
day of holding and was done every after three days (Tables 3-5).
Stem quality. Statistically, significant effects of the different concentrations of
ascorbic acid ranging from 1.00-4.00 g/li in the holding solutions with pH levels ranging
from 3.47-6.90 were noted on the stem quality rating (Table 3). Cutflowers held in
holding solutions with lower concentrations on the 9th day had significantly higher ratings
for stem damage ranging from 1.17-1.50 which was described as up to 2.0 cm browning
from the base of the stem compared to those held in tap water only (pH 6.90) which had a
mean of 1.00,
Table 3. Stem quality rating
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID
DAY
CONCENTRATION
──────────────────────────────────────────
(g/li, pH)
9
12
15
18 21
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
1.00c 1.00c 1.00d
1.00e 1.00e
1.00 (5.20)
1.49a 1.83a 2.04a
2.21a 2.38a
1.50 (4.57)
1.46a 1.71ab 1.92ab
2.04ab 2.38a
2.00 (4.10)
1.33ab 1.58ab 1.96ab
2.21a 2.42a
2.50 (3.87)
1.42ab 1.59ab 1.79ab
1.96abc 2.09ab
3.00 (3.73)
1.33ab 1.58ab 1.75abc
1.84bcd 1.96b
3.50 (3.58)
1.50a 1.46b 1.71abc
1.75cd 2.09ab
4.00 (3.47)
1.17bc 1.38b 1.59c
1.67d 1.83b
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
In a column, means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by
DMRT
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
14
and described as no stem browning of the stem ends. However, cutflowers held in a
solution containing 3.5 g/li with a pH of 3.58 had the highest rating of 1.50 which means
1 cm browning of the stem end was observed.
On the 12th day, cutflowers held in solution in solution containing 1.0 g/li with pH
5.20 had significantly the highest mean of 1.83, likewise on the 15th day having a mean of
2.04 which means up to 2.0 cm browning from the base of the stem observed.
At day 18th, cutflowers held in solution with a 2.0 g/li (pH 4.10) had the highest
rating of 2.21. However, it was comparable with those that were held in solutions with
2.5 g/li (pH 3.87-5.20) while those held in tap water only with a pH 6.90 had no stem
browning.
On the 21th day of observation, it was observed that cuflowers held in tap water
only (pH 6.90) had significantly no stem browning; while cutflowers held in solutions
with lower pH values showed different degrees of stem browning.
These results imply that the acidifying agent helped to minimize microbial build-
up and served as pH buffer but when applied in excess may damage the stems of
cutflowers (Rimando, 1980).
Leaf quality. Table 4 shows that there were significant differences with regards to
leaf quality of cutflowers held in different concentrations of ascorbic acid in the holding
solution. On day 9, cutflowers held in solution of 3.0 g/li having a pH of 3.73 had the
highest leaf quality of 0.84 which means less than 1-10% leaf yellowing was observed
while the lowest rating was noted on cutflowers held in tap water only (pH 6.90) with a
mean of 0.00 which means that these were no yellowing of leaves observed.
At day 12, cutflowers held in solution with a pH of 3.73 and 5.20 had the highest
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
15
leaf quality rating of 1.67 which means that 1-10% leaf yellowing was noted. However,
on the 15th day, cutflowers held at pH 3.73 had again the highest rating of 2.59 which
means 11-Table 4. Leaf quality rating
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID
DAY
CONCENTRATION
──────────────────────────────────────────
(g/li, pH)
9
12
15
18 21
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
0.00b 0.00b 0.00b
0.00b 0.00b
1.00 (5.20)
0.75a 1.67a 2.25a
3.42a 4.83a
1.50 (4.57)
0.83a 1.50a 2.25a
3.25a 5.00a
2.00 (4.10)
0.67a 1.50a 2.42a
3.17a 4.50a
2.50 (3.87)
0.59a 1.34a 2.25a
3.17a 4.75a
3.00 (3.73)
0.84a 1.67a 2.59a
3.33a 4.595a
3.50 (3.58)
0.58a 1.50a 2.25a
3.17a 4.50a
4.00 (3.47)
0.75a 1.42a 2.25a
3.17a 4.67a
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
In a column, means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by
DMRT
20% yellowing in the leaves was attained.
On the 18th day, cutflowers held in solution with 1.0 g/li with a pH 5.20 resulted
to a rating of 3.42 for the highest percentage of yellowing of the cutflower leaves.
Lastly, at day 21, cutflowers held in 1.5 g/li of ascorbic acid (pH 4.57) had the
highest rating of 5.00 which was described as 75% leaf yellowing while no leaf
yellowing was noted on cutflowers held in tap water only (pH 6.90).
Flower quality. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences
observed on the flower quality rating at days 9 and 15 (Table 5). On the 9th day of
observation, cutflowers held in solution with 1.0 g/li of ascorbic acid with a pH 5.20 had
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
16
the highest rating of 2.08 with two petals wilted; while cutflowers held in solution with
2.5 g/li (pH 3.87) and 4.0 g/li of ascorbic acid (pH 3.47) had the lowest rating of 1.33
which was Table 5. Flower quality rating
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID
DAY
CONCENTRATION
──────────────────────────────────────────
(g/li, pH)
9
12
15
18
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
1.67ab 2.58a 4.17ab 6.84a
1.00 (5.20)
2.08a 2.92a 4.58a
5.00a
1.50 (4.57)
1.83ab 2.67a 4.42ab 4.92a
2.00 (4.10)
1.75ab 2.33a 3.92ab 4.84a
2.50 (3.87)
1.33b 2.08a 2.83c
4.33a
3.00 (3.73)
1.67ab 2.59a 4.17ab 4.75a
3.50 (3.58)
1.67ab 2.33a 4.17ab 4.75a
4.00 (3.47)
1.33b 2.25a 3.42bc 4.75a
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
In a column, means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by
DMRT
described as excellent, field fresh and no defects.
The flower quality rating of cutflowers at days 12 and 18 were comparable.
However, on the 15th day of observations, those that were held in solution with 2.50 g/li
with a pH of 3.87 had significantly better quality than cutflowers held in solution with the
other ascorbic acid concentrations evaluated.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
17
Rogers (1973) observed that chemical preservatives were used to maintain flower
quality and extend vaselife of cutflowers. They were also used as opening solutions for
flowers at immature stage, but excess chemicals added to the vase solutions may lead to
early deterioration. The basic components of most preservatives are: a source to enhance
the water retaining capacity of the tissues and as a source of substrate; a germicide to help
maintain the efficient uptake and water conducting function of the stem; as acidifying
agent and a buffer to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes; and heavy metals to help
stabilize color and prevent microbial build-up.
Volume Taken-up
Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in the volume of
the solution used or taken-up by the cutflowers as affected by the different ascorbic acid
levels in the holding solution (Table 6). Results showed that cutflowers held in tap water
only (pH 6.90) had the highest volume absorbed with a mean of 49.17 ml. On the other
hand, cutflowers held in solution with 3.5 g/li ascorbic acid having a pH of 3.58 had the
lowest volume of solution absorbed with a mean of only 28.17 ml.
These findings confirmed the earlier findings of Kebasen (2002) who found that
carnation harvested at star and cross stages and held in tap water only, had the highest
Table 6. Volume of solution used/taken-up
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
MEAN (ml)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
49.17a
1.00 (5.20)
35.75c
1.50 (4.57)
28.25d
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
18
2.00 (4.10)
29.00d
2.50 (3.87)
30.58d
3.00 (3.73)
29.58d
3.50 (3.58)
28.17d
4.00 (3.47)
40.25b
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
volume of solution taken-up.
Vaselife
Table 7 showed the vaselife of the cutflowers as affected by the different ascorbic
acid concentrations with various pH levels of the holding solutions. Results showed that
cutflowers held in 2.5 g/li (pH 3.87) had the longest vaselife of 18.12 days but were
comparable to those held 2.0-4.0 g/li having pH 3.47, 3.58, 3.73, 4.10, and 6.90.
Cutflowers held in 1.0 g/li of ascorbic acid (pH 5.20) had the shortest vaselife of 14.67
days.
Rimando (1980) stated that the lose of turgidity, exposure to ethylene and
shortage of respirable substances are the most decisive factors which may trigger the
onset of senescence of cutflowers at any stage of their development, whether they are still
attached or already detached from the parent plant.
Table 7. Vaselife
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
MEAN (days)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tap water only (6.90)
16.09abc
1.00 (5.20)
14.67c
1.50 (4.57)
15.42bc
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
19
2.00 (4.10)
16.26abc
2.50 (3.87)
18.12a
3.00 (3.73)
16.08abc
3.50 (3.58)
16.67abc
4.00 (3.47)
17.09ab
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level by DMRT
Furthermore, vaselife could have been affected by the microoganisms present in
sucrose solutions which have caused stem plugging. These microorganisms hindered the
entry of water into the stem and to other parts of the cutflowers to maintain turgidity as
well as the distribution of food on the different parts of the cutflowers (Whealy, 1992;
Rogers, 1973).
However, adding floral preservatives to the holding solutions have been very
effective in extending the vaselife of cutflowers because they provide food. Acidifiers
also helps to reduce bacterial action that may lead to early deterioration of cutflowers.
The bactericide or germicides kills bacteria in the solution and preclogging of the stem
ends that can resist water uptake.
Final pH
The final pH solutions containing various ascorbic acid concentrations after the
termination of the experiment is shown in Table 8. Based from the results, there was a
decrease in the pH of the holding solutions and became more acidic that affected the
vaselife of the cutflowers. The acidity of the different concentrations significantly
affected how the respiratory substrates were utilized and increase of the microbial build-
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
20
up in the holding solutions. Rimando and Maralit (1980) pointed out that lower pH of
opening solutions is advantageous to cutflowers as it helps minimize microbial build-up
and inhibit the activity of certain enzymes leading to early senescence.
Table 8. Final pH of the holding solution
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ASCORBIC ACID CONCENTRATION (g/li, pH)
FINAL pH
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
(Tap water only (6.90)
7.0
1.00 (5.20)
3.2
1.50 (4.57)
3.0
2.00 (4.10)
3.1
2.50 (3.87)
3.0
3.00 (3.73)
3.2
3.50 (3.58)
3.1
4.00 (3.47)
3.1
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
21
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
Carnation (‘Green Mint’) were harvested at star stage. The stem ends were recut
in a slanting manner and had a uniform stem length of 40 cm. Leaves at the lower 1/3 of
the stem were removed and the stem ends were held in holding solutions containing
different concentrations of ascorbic acid (to replace citric acid) + 20% sucrose + 1 ml
Chlorox.
Based on the results of the study, there were not significant differences on the
number of days from holding to 50 and 100% of anthesis. Cutflowers held in solutions
with different concentrations of ascorbic acid with various pH levels. However,
cutflowers held in a solution with 2.5 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 3.87) had the longest
duration to full flower opening.
With regards to percentage neck bending, cutflowers held in holding solution with
3.0 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 3.73) had the highest percentage of neck bending.
Observations on stem quality rating showed that cutflowers held in tap water only
(pH 6.90) had no stem browning up to 21 days of observations; while cutflowers held in
the different holding solution with ascorbic acid concentrations showed stem browning
from the base of the stem. It was also observed that in leaf quality rating, cutflowers held
in tap water did not have leaf yellowing up to the termination of the experiment; while
cutflowers held in the different holding solutions with ascorbic acid had yellowing of the
leaves; hence, holding solutions with 1.5 g/li ascorbic acid (pH of 4.57) had the highest
percentage of yellowing (75%). With regards to flower quality rating, holding solution
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
22
with 2.5 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 3.87) had the best flower quality..
On the other hand, cutflowers held in tap water only (pH 6.90) had the highest
volume of solution absorbed while cutflowers held in solutions with 2.0 and 1.0 g/li of
ascorbic acid (pH 4.10 and 5.20) absorbed comparable amounts of the solutions.
However, in the final pH of the holding solution, there was a decrease in the pH
of the holding solutions which means that the solutions became more acidic except for
the tap water. Cutflowers held in 1.5 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 3.87) had the longest vaselife
of 18.122 days while the shortest was observed in cutflowers held in solution containing
1.0 g/li ascorbic acid (pH 5.20) with a mean of 14.69 days.
Conclusion
Results showed that using holding solution with 2.5 g/li of ascorbic acid 2.5 g/li +
20% sucrose (by weight) + 1 ml/li Chlorox with a pH of 3.87 delayed flower opening
resulting to longer vaselife of carnation cutflowers (‘Green Mint’). However, it was
comparable to those cutflowers held in tap water only.
Recommendation
It is therefore recommended, that a holding solution with 2.5 g/li of ascorbic acid
+ 20% sucrose (by weight) + 1 ml/li Chlorox having a pH of 3.87 can be used to delay
flower opening, in carnation cutflowers harvested at star stage to prolong vaselife with
better cutflower quality.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
23
LITERATURE CITED
AGRICARTA. 1999. Agricarta: Postharvest care of cutflowers. http:www.aginfonet.
comlagricartalcontent SK dried flower/postharvest care.
ALACYANG, J.K. 1998. Influence of different holding solution on the postharvest life
of
carnation cvs. Desio and Orange. BS Thesis. BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Pp.8
COORTS, G.D. 1965. Effects of senescence and preservatives on respiration in
cutflower.
Rona Hybrid, ‘Velvet Time’. Proc.Amer.Soc.Hort.Sci. Pp.
779-780.
HALEVY, A.H. and S. MAYAK. 1979. Senescence and postharvest physiology of
cutflowers. Hort.Rev. 3:59-143.
HORNET. 1998. Hort FACT-Cutflowers and foliage. Cooling requirements and
temperature management.http://HYPERLINK http://www.hornet.co.nz
www.co.nz./publications/hortfacts.
LEOPOLD, A.C. 1975. Aging, senescence and turning-over in plants. Bio.Sci.25
:659-662.
MAROUSKY, F.J. 1969. Vascular blockage, water absorption, stomata opening and
respiration of ‘Cut Better Time’ rose treated with 8-hydroxyquiendine Carate.
Amer. Hort.Sci. 94 :223-229.
MASTALERZ, J.W. 1977. The Greenhouse Environment. New York: John Wiley and
Sons. P. 629.
MAYAK, S. 1987. Senescence of cutflowers. Hort.Sci.22:863-865.
NOWAK, J. and R.M.RUDNICK. 1990. Postharvest Handling and Storage of
cutflowers, Florist Green.
REID, M.S. 2000. Postharvest Technology, Research and Information Center. http://
postharvest.vedavis. edu/index. html.
RIMANDO,T.J. 1982. Postharvest physiology and handling of cutflower. A
Professional Chair Lecturer on Ornamental Horticulture,UPLB-CA, College,
Laguna. 35 pp.
_____ and M.C MARALIT 1980. Postharvest hardling and opening in vitro of shasta
daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum L.).Paper presented at the Annual Conference
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
24
of the Crop Science Society of the Phil. VISCA, Baybay, Leyte. 14 Pp.
ROGERS, H.M. 1973. A historical and critical review of postharvest physiology
research on cutflower. Hort.Sci.8 (3):189-194.
WHEALY. A.C. 1992. Carnation : Introduction to Floriculture. New York:
Larson.Academic Press. Pp. 43-46.
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
25
APPENDICES
Appendix Table 1. Number of days from holding to 50% anthesis
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
5.67 6.00
5.67 5.67
23.01 5.75
T2
6.00 6.33
6.67 5.67
24.67 6.17
T3
5.67 6.33
6.67 6.33
25.00 6.25
T4
5.00 5.67
5.00 5.00
20.67 5.17
T5
6.00 5.00
6.00 5.00
22.00 5.50
T6
6.00 6.67
7.00 5.00
24.67 6.17
T7
5.67 5.33
6.00 6.00
23.00 5.75
T8
6.67 5.67
5.67 6.00
24.01 6.00
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
3.970 0.567 2.34ns 2.43
3.50
Error
24
5.810 0.242
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
9.779
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ns = Not significant
Coefficient of variation = 8.42%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
26
Appendix Table 2. Number of days from holding to full flower opening (100%)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
13.17 13.83
14.00 14.17
55.17
13.79
T2
12.67 12.17
13.17 12.33
50.34
12.59
T3
12.17 14.67
12.50 11.33
50.67
12.67
T4
14.33 13.50
14.67 12.50
55.00
13.75
T5
14.50 14.17
16.00 13.67
58.34
14.59
T6
14.67 12.33
13.00 13.00
53.00
13.25
T7
14.50 12.83
14.83 14.67
56.83
14.21
T8
15.67 14.17
12.67 13.00
55.51
13.88
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
13.989 1.998 2.00ns 2.43
3.50
Error
24
24.161 1.007
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
38.150
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ns = Not significant
Coefficient of variation = 7.38%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
27
Appendix Table 3. Percentage neck bending
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.00
0.000
T2
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.00
0.000
T3
0.000 0.000
33.33 0.000
33.33
8.333
T4
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.00
0.000
T5
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.00
0.000
T6
33.33 0.000
33.33 33.33
99.99
24.998
T7
33.33 3.333
0.000 0.000
66.66
16.665
T8
0.000 0.000
66.67 0.000
66.67
16.667
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
2777.389 396.770 5.56** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
6110.889 254.620
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
8888.278
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
19.49%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
28
Appendix Table 4. Stem quality at day 9
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
1.50 1.33
1.50 1.50
5.83
1.46
T3
1.33 1.67
1.17 1.67
5.84
1.46
T4
1.50 1.33
1.17 1.33
5.33
1.33
T5
1.67 1.33
1.17 1.50
5.67
1.42
T6
1.33 1.33
1.67 1.00
5.33
1.33
T7
1.50 1.67
1.33 1.50
6.00
1.50
T8
1.33 1.00
1.17 1.17
4.67
1.17
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
0.820 0.117 3.79** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
0.742 0.031
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
1.561
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
13.18%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
29
Appendix Table 5. Stem quality at day 12
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
1.83 1.50
1.83 2.17
7.33
1.83
T3
1.50 1.67
1.50 2.17
6.84
1.71
T4
1.83 1.33
1.33 1.83
6.32
1.58
T5
1.50 1.67
1.50 1.67
6.34
1.59
T6
1.67 1.50
1.83 1.33
6.33
1.58
T7
1.83 1.17
1.33 1.50
5.83
1.46
T8
1.33 1.17
1.50 1.50
5.50
1.38
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
1.763 0.252 4.8**
2.43
3.50
Error
24
1.259 0.052
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
3.022
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
15.12%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
30
Appendix Table 6. Stem quality at day 15
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
2.17 1.67
2.00 2.33
8.17
2.04
T3
1.67 2.17
1.67 2.17
7.68
1.92
T4
2.00 1.67
2.00 2.17
7.84
1.96
T5
1.83 1.83
1.83 1.67
7.16
1.79
T6
1.83 1.50
2.00 1.67
7.00
1.75
T7
1.83 1.50
1.67 1.83
6.83
1.71
T8
1.50 1.67
1.50 1.67
6.34
1.59
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
2.977 0.425 11.58** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
0.881 0.037
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
3.858
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
11.14%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
31
Appendix Table 7. Stem quality at day 18
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
2.17 1.83
2.33 2.50
8.83
2.21
T3
1.83 2.17
2.00 2.17
8.17
2.04
T4
2.00 2.17
2.17 2.50
8.84
2.21
T5
2.17 1.83
2.00 1.83
7.83
1.96
T6
2.00 1.67
2.00 1.67
7.34
1.84
T7
1.83 1.50
1.83 1.83
6.99
1.75
T8
1.67 1.67
1.67 1.67
6.68
1.67
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
4.278 0.611 20.22** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
0.725 0.030
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
5.004
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 9.48%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
32
Appendix Table 8. Stem quality at day 21
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.00 1.00
1.00 1.00
4.00
1.00
T2
2.33 2.00
2.50 2.67
9.50
2.38
T3
2.17 2.50
2.33 2.50
9.50
2.38
T4
2.00 2.67
2.17 2.83
9.67
2.42
T5
2.17 2.00
2.00 2.17
8.34
2.09
T6
2.00 1.83
2.17 1.83
7.83
1.96
T7
2.00 1.67
2.00 2.67
8.34
2.09
T8
1.83 2.00
1.83 1.67
7.33
1.83
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
5.991 0.856 13.86** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
1.482 0.062
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
7.473
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
12.33%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
33
Appendix Table 9. Leaf quality at day 9
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
0.33 1.00
1.00 0.67
3.00
0.75
T3
0.33 1.00
1.00 1.00
3.33
0.83
T4
0.33 0.33
1.00 1.00
2.66
0.67
T5
0.67 0.00
1.00 0.67
2.34
0.59
T6
1.00 0.67
0.67 1.00
3.34
0.84
T7
0.33 1.00
0.67 0.33
2.33
0.58
T8
0.67 0.33
1.00 1.00
3.00
0.75
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
2.056 0.294 3.00*
2.43
3.50
Error
24
2.348 0.098
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
4.405
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
* = Significant
Coefficient of variation = 50.05%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
34
Appendix Table 10. Leaf quality at day 12
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
1.33 1.67
2.00 1.67
6.67
1.67
T3
1.33 1.67
1.33 1.67
6.00
1.50
T4
1.00 1.33
1.67 2.00
6.00
1.50
T5
1.67 1.00
1.00 1.67
5.34
1.34
T6
1.33 1.67
1.67 2.00
6.67
1.67
T7
1.33 1.67
2.00 1.00
6.00
1.50
T8
1.33 1.00
1.67 1.67
5.67
1.42
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
8.363 1.195 11.76** 2.43 3.50
Error
24
2.439 0.102
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
10.802
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
24.09%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
35
Appendix Table 11. Leaf quality at day 15
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
2.33 2.00
2.33 2.33
8.99
2.25
T3
2.00 2.67
2.33 2.00
9.00
2.25
T4
2.33 2.33
2.33 2.67
9.66
2.42
T5
2.67 2.00
2.00 2.33
9.00
2.25
T6
2.67 2.33
2.67 2.67
10.34
2.59
T7
2.00 2.33
2.67 2.00
9.00
2.25
T8
2.67 2.00
2.33 2.00
9.00
2.25
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
19.272 2.753 44.46** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
1.486 0.062
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
20.758
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation =
12.25%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
36
Appendix Table 12. Leaf quality at day 18
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
3.33 3.67
3.33 3.33
13.66
3.42
T3
3.00 3.33
3.67 3.00
13.00
3.25
T4
3.00 3.33
3.33 3.00
12.66
3.17
T5
3.00 3.00
3.33 3.33
12.66
3.17
T6
3.33 3.33
3.00 3.67
13.33
3.33
T7
3.00 3.00
3.67 3.00
12.67
3.17
T8
3.00 3.33
3.33 3.00
12.66
3.17
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
36.922 5.275 98.72** 2.43 3.50
Error
24
1.282 0.053
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
38.205
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 8.16%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
37
Appendix Table 13. Leaf quality at day 21
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00
T2
4.67 5.00
5.00 4.67
19.34
4.84
T3
5.00 5.00
5.00 5.00
20.00
5.00
T4
4.00 4.33
4.67 5.00
18.00
4.50
T5
5.00 4.67
4.67 4.67
19.01
4.75
T6
4.00 4.67
4.67 5.00
18.34
4.59
T7
4.67 4.33
5.00 4.00
18.00
4.50
T8
4.33 4.33
5.00 5.00
18.66
4.67
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
77.841 11.120 116.85** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
2.284 0.095
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
80.125
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 7.52%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
38
Appendix Table 14. Flower quality at day 9
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
1.67 1.67
1.67 1.67
6.68
1.67
T2
2.00 2.33
2.33 1.67
8.33
2.08
T3
2.00 1.33
2.00 2.00
7.33
1.83
T4
1.33 2.00
1.33 2.33
6.99
1.75
T5
1.00 1.33
1.33 1.67
5.33
1.33
T6
1.33 2.00
1.67 1.67
6.67
1.67
T7
1.67 2.00
1.67 1.33
6.67
1.67
T8
1.00 1.67
1.33 1.33
5.33
1.33
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
1.721 0.246 2.58*
2.43
3.50
Error
24
2.286 0.095
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
4.007
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
* = Significant
Coefficient of variation = 18.52%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
39
Appendix Table 15. Flower quality at day 12
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
3.00 2.33
2.67 2.33
10.33
2.58
T2
2.67 3.00
3.00 3.00
11.67
2.92
T3
3.00 2.00
3.00 2.67
10.67
2.67
T4
2.00 2.33
2.00 3.00
9.33
2.33
T5
1.33 2.00
2.33 2.67
8.33
2.08
T6
1.67 3.00
2.67 3.00
10.34
2.59
T7
2.00 2.33
2.33 2.67
9.33
2.33
T8
1.33 2.00
2.67 3.00
9.00
2.25
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
2.006 0.287 1.19ns
2.43
3.50
Error
24
5.765 0.240
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
7.771
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ns = Not significant
Coefficient of variation = 19.85%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
40
Appendix Table 16. Flower quality at day 15
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
4.33 3.33
4.67 4.33
16.66
4.17
T2
4.33 5.00
4.33 4.67
18.33
4.58
T3
5.00 3.33
5.00 4.33
17.66
4.42
T4
3.67 4.33
2.67 5.00
15.67
3.92
T5
2.33 3.33
2.67 3.00
11.33
2.83
T6
3.00 4.67
4.33 4.67
16.67
4.17
T7
4.00 4.67
4.33 3.67
16.67
4.17
T8
2.66 3.33
3.67 4.00
13.66
3.42
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
9.171 1.310 3.10* 2.43
3.50
Error
24
10.132 0.422
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
19.303
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
* = Significant
Coefficient of variation = 16.42%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
41
Appendix Table 17. Flower quality at day 18
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL
MEAN
I
II III IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
5.00 4.67
5.00 4.67
19.34
4.84
T2
5.00 5.00
5.00 5.00
20.00
5.00
T3
5.00 4.67
5.00 5.00
19.67
4.92
T4
5.00 4.67
4.67 5.00
19.34
4.84
T5
4.00 4.33
4.33 4.67
17.33
4.33
T6
4.00 5.00
5.00 5.00
19.00
4.75
T7
4.67 4.67
4.67 5.00
19.01
4.75
T8
4.33 4.67
5.00 5.00
19.00
4.75
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
══════0═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
1.102 0.157 2.27ns
2.43
3.50
Error
24
1.663 0.069
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
2.766
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ns = Not significant
Coefficient of variation = 5.52%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
42
Appendix Table 18. Vaselife (days)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III
IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
15.67 17.00
15.17 16.50
64.34
16.09
T2
15.00 14.00
14.67 15.00
58.67
14.67
T3
14.33 17.33
15.00 15.00
61.66
15.42
T4
16.67 16.00
18.00 14.37
65.04
16.26
T5
19.33 17.83
18.33 17.00
72.49
18.12
T6
18.67 15.33
15.33 15.00
64.33
16.08
T7
16.33 17.00
16.67 16.67
66.67
16.67
T8
19.67 17.50
15.17 16.00
68.34
17.09
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
30.465 4.352 2.71*
2.43
3.50
Error
24
38.479 1.603
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
68.944
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
* = Significant
Coefficient of variation = 7.77%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
43
Appendix Table 19. Volume absorbed (ml)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
R E P L I C A T I O N
TREATMENT
─────────────────────────── TOTAL MEAN
I
II III
IV
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
T1
45.33 50.67
49.00 51.67
196.67 49.17
T2
38.33 33.33
35.33 36.00
142.99 35.75
T3
32.00 29.00
25.33 26.67
113.00 28.25
T4
32.33 29.33
28.00 26.33
115.99 29.00
T5
28.33 32.67
32.00 29.33
122.33 30.58
T6
33.00 28.00
30.00 27.33
118.33 29.58
T7
26.00 29.00
25.67 32.00
112.67 28.17
T8
38.00 43.00
39.33 40.67
161.00 40.25
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Analysis of Variance
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Source of Degrees of Sum of
Mean Computed TABULAR F
variation freedom
squares square
F
0.05
0.01
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Treatment
7
1581.086 225.869 35.34** 2.43
3.50
Error
24
153.406 6.392
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Total
31
1734.493
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
** = Highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 7.47%
Postharvest Characteristics of ‘Green Mint’ Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by
Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Holding Solution /Marcela L. Camid. 2007
Document Outline
- Postharvest Characteristics of �GreenMint� Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) as Affected by Different Concentrations ofAscorbic Acid in the Holding Solution.
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- MATERIALS AND METHODS
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- Days from Holding to 50% and 100% Anthesis
- Percentage Neck Bending
- Visual Quality
- Volume Taken-up
- Vaselife
- Final pH
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- Summary
- Conclusion
- Recommendation
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES