Effects of Silver Nitrate and Silver Thiosulfate on Vase-Life of Cut Roses

Abstract

Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) ranging in concentrations from 10 to 50 mg l^-1, together with 5% sucrose as holding solution significantly increased the vase-life of 'Christian Dior' cut roses; the optimum concentration of AgNO₃, was 20 mg l^-1. The holding solution containing 5% sucroce + 20 mg l^-1 AgNO₃, also significantly increased the vase-life of rose cult ivars 'Eiffel Tower', 'Swartmore' and 'Yankee' but not' King's Ransom' and 'Confidence'. AgNO₃, slightly reduced ethylene production of 'Christain Dior' flowers held in distilled water. AgNO₃, greatly reduced ethylene production of flowers in solution containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC); AgNO₃, also counteracted the effect of ethylene action induced by ACC. AgNO₃, greatly reduced microbial population in vase-water and improved water uptake of'Chirstian Dior' flowers. Silver thiousulfate (STS) complex was not as effective as AgNO₃, for the increase in vase-life of cut roses and the reduction of microbial population.