Influence of vernalization and bulb size on the production of lily cut flowers and lily bulbs

Abstract

Exposure of bulbs to cold, a physiological phenomenon called vernalization, and bulb size are important factors in the production of lily bulbs and flowers. This study aimed to verify the influence of vernalization of bulbs on flowering cut lily plants, as well as the impact of size and shape of harvest on the production and quality of flowers and bulbs. In turn, the way the stems of the plants used for cutflower production are cropped is of higher importance for the production of new flower bulbs. In this sense, the experiment was conducted in Viçosa, MG, in a greenhouse in a randomized block design, in split splot scheme with three replications, in which the vernalization periods (25, 35 and 45 days at 4 ± 1 C) constituted the plots; bulb sizes (diameters of 3.2-3.8 cm; 2.5-3.2 cm 1.9-and 2.5 cm), subplots and ways to harvest (full harvest of the stem at the required length for the commercial harvest of the flower, commercial stem harvest at the commercial length, maintaining 10cm of stem in the soil; removal of the floral buds as soon as their appearance is observed and harvest at the end of the season), the sub subplots. The bulbs were planted in beds, with 15 x 20 cm spacing. It was evaluated the number of plants that flowered and the number of flowers, the length and the diameter of the floral buds, fresh and dry weights, diameter and plant height as well as number, perimeter and amount of fresh and dry bulbs. There was a decrease in the plant height with the increase of the vernalization period and a reduction of the diameter of the planted bulbs, as well as of the number and the fresh and dry weights of the produced buds. The production of flowers and buds in number, size and weight was directly proportional to the size of the planted bulbs, while the form of harvest with removal of flower buds increased the number, the perimeter and the fresh and dry weights of the buds. Bulbs with diameter between 3.2 -3.8 cm, stored for 25 days in cold chamber enable greater production of flowers and the highest stem height, factors that favor the increase in market value. Key words: Exposure to cold. Flowering. Way of harvest. Lilium longiflorum. ResumoA exposição dos bulbos ao frio, fenômeno fisiológico denominado vernalização, e o tamanho do bulbo são importantes na produção de flores de lírio. Por sua vez, a forma de colheita das hastes das plantas utilizadas para corte de flor é preponderante na produção de bulbos filhos. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a influência da vernalização dos bulbos em plantas de lírio em flor, bem como o impacto do tamanho e forma da colheita na produção e qualidade de flores e bulbos. O experimento foi conduzido em Viçosa, MG em casa de vegetação, em blocos casualizados, com parcelas sub-subdivididas, com três repetições, em que os períodos de vernalização (25, 35 e 45 dias, a 4± 1̊ C) constituíram as parcelas; os tamanhos de bulbo (diâmetros de 3,2-3,8 cm; 2,5-3,2 cm e 1,9-2,5 cm), as subparcelas e as formas de colheita (colheita total da haste no ponto de colheita c...

Vase Life Evaluation of Three Greek Tulip Species Compared with a Commercial Cultivar

“…Genetic/varietal factors, plant age, climatic conditions during the growing period, plant health, cultivation practices, and the harvesting stage are among the most important preharvest factors [12], which are responsible for creating a product with good quality (large flower with desired coloring, high water and carbohydrates content). In addition, bulb size and bulb weight of bulbous plants play a significant role both on geophytes flower quality and their postharvest vase life [13][14][15]. On the other hand, postharvest treatments mainly aim to maintain the cut flowers' quality characteristics for as long as possible in order to extend their vase life.…”

Involvement of Calcium and Calmodulin in Nitric Oxide-Regulated Senescence of Cut Lily Flowers

“…), a bulbous plant with large trumpet-shaped and typically fragrant flowers ( Liao et al, 2013 ), are in demand worldwide because of their superior commercial and ornamental value. However, the postharvest life of cut lilies is usually short because of wilting, color changing, abscission, and early leaf yellowing ( de Almeida et al, 2017 ). Senescence is the main reason for the short vase life and poor quality of cut flowers, which involves a general degradation of nucleic acids, proteins, and cell membranes, as well as increased activities of RNase and other hydrolytic enzymes ( Shabanian et al, 2018 ).…”