Date August 17, 1994

Title of Project Increasing Flowering Potted Plant Longevity

Institution where work is being conducted University of Florida

Amount of Endowment Grant $ 12,000
Covering Period 1/94 to 12/94

Anticipated Date of Project Completion/Final Report 12 December 1996

Individual(s) Conducting Project:

(List Project Leader First)

Terril A. Nell - Title Professor

Telephone number (904) 392-1829

Jim Barrett - Title Professor

Increasing Flowering Potted Plant Longevity

Terril A. Nell and James E. Barrett

University of Florida

Progress Report to the American Floral Endowment, 8/17/94

A. Project Obiectives:

To evaluate the production, transport and retail conditions which increase the longevity of

flowering potted plants.

B. Summary of Work Completed:

1. Fertilizer termination was evaluated on potted carnation and elatior begonia.

2. Elatior begonia and carnation were produced to marketable stage, placed into sleeves, boxed

and held for 3 days to 9 days at 35 to 65′F to evaluate shipping tolerances.

3. Flowering potted roses (Red Minimo) were treated with low ethylene levels for 1-4 days, then

maintained in an ethylene free environment. Longevity, leaf and bud drop were monitored

throughout the treatment and postproduction periods.

C. Results to Date:

1. Continuous fertilization until flowering did not reduce longevity or interior performance of

carnations and begonias.

2. Carnations and Begonias can tolerate a wide range of shipping conditions with no effect on

postproduction performance.

3. Roses lost less than 10% of the flowers when held at 80ppb ethylene or less for no more than

2 days. Higher ethylene levels increase flower and bud drop. Open flowers were more

susceptible to ethylene than buds.

D. Future Plans Covered by the Endowment Grant:

1. Longevity of Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, and Cyclamen will be evaluated following fertilizer, transport

and interior treatments.

E. Anticipated Benefits for Floral Industry:

Results from these studies will allow all segments of the industry to provide higher quality,

longer-lasting flowering potted plants to consumers.

F. Additional Information/Publications:

1. Armellini Express Lines is providing transportation again this year. Their support is a real asset

to this research program.

2. An additional Technical Service Bulletin is being written on results from the non-rooting room

bulbs.

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