1-methylcyclopropene prolongs the vase life of roses cv. Osiana

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on vase life of rose cv. Osiana in different storage conditions and in the presence of exogenous ethylene. The roses were treated with 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 g m(-3) of Ethylbloc (R), and submitted to the following conditions: Storage at 5 degrees C with stems in water; Storage at 22 degrees C with stems in water; Storage at 5 degrees C in 'Strong' type paper for 3 days and subsequent storage at 22 degrees C. The best storage condition was at 22 degrees C with the stems in the water. Doses greater than 1.0 g m(-3) of Ethylbloc (R) prolonged vase life. In this condition, the stems were treated with 1.0 g m-(3) Ethylbloc (R); 1.0 g m(-3) Ethylbloc (R) + 10 mu L L-1 ethylene and 10 mu L L-1 ethylene for 24 h. The Ethylbloc (R) increased vase life even in the presence of ethylene and fresh mass on the first two days. It reduced ethylene production by flowers in the first 24 h, and respiratory activity after 36 h. It can be concluded that the concentration of 1.0 g m(-3) of Ethylbloc (R) prolongs the vase life of cv. Osiana stored at room temperature with the stems in water even in the presence of exogenous ethylene.