Abstract:
One of the most important abilities for a new cut flower is a good keeping quality.
Therefore, one of the first crucial tests the new generas meet is the vase life test, which at our institute is standardized.
As a good vase life we suggest two weeks durability in total.
This would always ensure the consumers at least one week vase life at their home.
Among the cut flowers studied the following kept for a long period standing in tap water: Achyranthes sp. (4 wks), Heliconia sp. ( > 2 wks), Kalanchoe quartiniana ( > 2 wks), Luzula nivea ( > 4 wks), Streptosolen jamesonii ( > 2 wks) and Trachelium caeruleum ( > 2 wks).
Those needing special pretreatment were Delphinium belladonna hybrid 'Völkerfrieden' (silver thiosulphate) and Euphorbia leucocephala (boiling).
Finally some were rejected despite their good keepability: Achyranthes sp. (inflorescence too small), Megaskepasma erythroclamys (no flower control) and Streptosolen jamesonii (uneven growth).
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