Effect of Ph Of Holding Solution on the Vaselife and Cutflower Quality of Peruvian Lily (Alstomeri Sp. L)

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of pH of  holding solution on the vaselife and cutflower quality of Peruvian Lily; and to determine the best pH of holding solution that will prolong the vaselife and preserve the quality of cutflowers.

 Alstromeria cutflowers harvested at 50% anthesis were held in different pH of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.5 of the holding solution containing tap water + 20% sucrose + 1 ml chlorox + citric acid.

 Results showed that using a holding solution with a pH of 4.0 containing 20% sucrose + 1 ml chlorox + citric acid promoted the longest duration of flower opening resulting to longer vaselife of cutflower.

Likewise, holding solutions with a pH of 3.0 and 4.0 promoted better petal quality rating of Alstromeria cutflowers while holding solutions with pH OF 4.0 and 5.0 also prolonged stem freshness thus, with a higher stem quality rating.