Vase-life and bud forcing of carnations

Abstract

An investigation was made into the effectiveness of four treatments for increasing vase-life and forcing buds of carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). The treatments were Aadural-AK, 8 hydroxyquinoline citrate plus sucrose, lemonade, and water (the control). These treatments were applied to carnation buds at three stages of development: tight, square, and open. Mean weight change was shown to be a useful indicator of vase-life. Three treatments successfully increased the vase-life of open flowers. The best treatment was 8 hydroxy�quinoline citrate plus sucrose which increased the vase-life of open carnation flowers
by 150% when compared with the control (water). Although the three chemical treatments successfully forced square buds, 8 hydroxyquinoline citrate plus sucrose failed to force tight buds. Aadural-AK and lemonade were both effective in forcing tight buds but, as lemonade caused a severe stem discoloration, Aadural-AK is considered to be the best treatment for bud forcing.