Fluorescein effect on the vase life of calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) K. Spreng.) inflorescences

Abstract

Calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) K. Spreng), is a cut flower which had obtained importance in recent years, but postharvest handling is limited. Thus, in order to know the fluorescein concentration effect and pH of pulse solution on inflorescences calla postharvest, were evaluated in Teotitlan de Flores Magon, Oaxaca-Mexico, four fluorescein concentrations (0, 20, 40 and 60 %, respectively) and two pH levels (acid and alkaline) in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement, having a total of 24 experimental units, which was established by vase life and calla inflorescence with white spathe color, immersed in a fluorescein solution adjusted as appropriate at acidic or alkaline pH, where response variables were as follows: vase life, water consumption, stem diameter, absorption fluorescein stem base and fluorescein vertical absorption by floral scape. Results indicates the increased vase life is achieved at alkaline pH by fluorescein addition of 20, 40 and 60 %, respectively. Likewise, the higher water consumption is achieved at this pH. From this research, we can conclude fluorescein can affect the calla physiology for increasing vase life.

Keywords

• Floral scape
• pulse solution
• pH
• spathe