Effect of growth regulators on the postharvest longevity of cut flowers and leaves of the calla lily (Zantedeschia Spreng.)

Abstract

The conditioning of flowers of the calla lily cultivar 'Albomaculata' in BA at concentrations of 50-150 mg×dm^-3 extends their postharvest longevity by 6.2-14.5 days. An extension of the longevity of the flowers by 15 days can be obtained after the application of a solution of 8HQS with saccharose on a continuous basis. Effective in improving the longevity of leaves of cultivar 'Sunglow' is GA₃ at a concentration of 400 mg×dm^-3. What is more, its application at concentrations of 300-400 mg×dm^-3 boosts their greenness index. GA₃ at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg×dm^-3 extends the postharvest longevity of leaves of the cultivar 'Black Eyed Beauty' by 18 and 11 days, respectively, while BA shortens it. A combined application of BA and GA₃ inhibits chlorophyll degradation, while GA₃ and a mixture of BA and GA₃ inhibit protein degradation.