Vase-life characteristics of inflorescences ofDendrobium‘Pompadour’

SummaryBud opening, opening time and vase-life of flower buds at different positions on the rachis of Dendrobium ‘Pompadour’ flowers were studied using cut flowers from local Thai market sources. The percentage of bud opening and vase-life of opened buds was related to bud size. Flower buds near the proximal end of the inflorescence were larger and heavier than those near the distal end; a higher percentage of the proximal buds opened and these buds had a longer vase-life, relative to distal buds. Available food reserves in individual flower buds at the time of cutting was regarded as the factor most affecting vase-life characteristics. The optimum holding solution for cut inflorescences was 200 mg l-1 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (HQS) + 50 mg l-1 AgNO3 + 8% sucrose solution; this solution increased the percentage of bud opening and vase-life but decreased opening time. The vase-life of treated distal flower buds was comparable with that of treated proximal flower buds.