351 Postproduction Evaluations on Forced Astilbe

Abstract

<jats:p>Forced `Bumalda' and `Etna' <jats:italic>Astilbe</jats:italic> were evaluated for postproduction quality and longevity. Plants were sleeved, boxed and held at 9±2C for 3 days to simulate shipping at the following stages of floral development: tight bud (TB), 1-3 florets open, 25% florets open, 50% florets open, and 75% florets open. They were then placed at 21C and 14 μmol·m<jats:sup>-2</jats:sup>·s<jats:sup>-1</jats:sup> (12h daylength) until flower senescence. Percent of inflorescences flowering increased from 34% at TB stage to 94% when shipped with 25 % of the florets open. `Etna' longevity increased from 3 days at TB stage to 12 days at 25% open stage. Optimum quality and longevity occurred when ≥ 25% of the florets were opened at shipping.</jats:p> <jats:p>In a second experiment, `Bumalda' and `Etna' <jats:italic>Astilbe</jats:italic> were held at 18, 21 and 24C at irradiance levels of 7 or 14 μmol·m<jats:sup>-2</jats:sup>·s<jats:sup>-1</jats:sup> when 25% of the florets were open. At 18C, longevity increased under 14 μmol·m<jats:sup>-2</jats:sup>·s<jats:sup>-1</jats:sup> from 14 to 17 days. At 24C, longevity was only 10 days for both irradiance levels.</jats:p>