Histochemical Study of Vascular Blockage in Flower Stems of Orchids in Relation to Vase Life

Abstract

Sections were cut from the basal and upper portions above the water level of aged flower stems of Dendrobium ‘Pompadour’ and from freshly cut flower stem. Observation of cross sections by light microscope showed the presence of vascular occlusion in aged flower stems. Occlusions at the basal portion were much more than at the upper portion. Occluding material at both the basal and upper portions above the water level contained both pectin and carbohydrate, while only at the upper portion contained phenol, Lignins were not found in the occluding material.