Postharvest quality management of cut marguerite flowers

Postharvest quality management of cut flowers is very important for successful development of floriculture. The value of cut flowers is determined by the flower longevity. The factors affecting flower longevity of marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens (L.) Schulz-Bip.) were investigated. Sucrose in a vase solution was effective to increase the number of flowering inflorescences and enhance the size of inflorescence. Leaf wilting during transportation is a serious problem in cut marguerite flowers. Dry-transportation decreased the number of flowering inflorescences in cut marguerite flowers. Water absorption was increased when the cut flowers were pre-treated with a surfactant, but decrease of fresh weight during transportation was also high. ABA pretreatment did not prevent fresh weight loss during transportation and enhance the senescence of cut flowers. When gel was attached to cut the end of the cut flowers, no fresh weight loss occurred during transportation and the cut flowers showed longer flower longevity. Water supply during transportation is important to produce higher postharvest performance of cut marguerite flowers.