HYDROFILIC POLYMER COMBINED WITH PRESERVING SOLUTIONS IN THE VASE LIFE OF ROSE AND HELICONIA FLORAL STEMS

Abstract

Simple actions along the distribution chain of ornamentals, might improve postharvest management; however, users' lack of knowledge on their application is a limiting factor. The objective was to determine the effect of the hydrogel Carbopol 940® mixed with three different preserving solutions, on the vase-life of rose and heliconia. Evaluations of stem water loss and senescence were performed at six and four periods of time, respectively. Greater stem water loss and an accelerated senescence (33.5 %) were observed with the mixture of hydrogel and preserving solutions. The mixture of preserving solutions and water resulted in the lowest water loss average in stems (19.2 %). During the first 24 h, heliconia stems lost on average less than 5 % of their weight and rose stems more than 11 %. Senescence symptoms were more evident right after 168 h from the beginning of the experiment. Combinations of polymer Carbopol 940® and preserving solutions were not effective on extending the vase-life of the selected species.