Breeding cut roses for better keeping quality: first steps

D. Fanourakis, D. R. A. Carvalho, V. W. Gitonga, A. W. Van Heusden, D. P. F. Almeida, E. Heuvelink, S. M. P. Carvalho*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Water stress is one of the most common postharvest quality problems, resulting in shorter vase life of cut flowers. Since vase life is a key factor for the consumers' satisfaction, breeding for better control of water loss is an important goal. In this study, we evaluated the stomatal responses to leaflet desiccation in a subset of a segregating tetraploid cut rose population (60 genotypes) grown at high relative air humidity (RH ≥ 85%). Additionally, the vase life was determined in six contrasting genotypes in their stomatal responsiveness. The population screening revealed extreme differences among genotypes, i.e., the relative water content (RWC) after 4 h of leaflet desiccation ranged between 7 and 62% (20 and 51% the RWCs for the two parents). Genotypes with low stomatal responsiveness to desiccation had an average vase life of 8 days, and in two out of three genotypes the flower did not open. These effects are related to high postharvest water loss rates. On the other hand, genotypes with high stomatal responsiveness lasted longer (10-21 days), their flower reached the maximum opening stage, and they showed a lower postharvest water loss. It is concluded that there is a large variation in the stomatal hydrosensitivity, which increases the possibilities for breeding for cultivars with longer vase life (better control of water loss). The selection of genotypes with high stomatal responsiveness, after cultivation at high RH, considerably increases the degree of certainty that the cut flower will last a minimum length of time, and will have an unhampered flower opening.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationXXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010)
Subtitle of host publicationInternational Symposium on Advances in Ornamentals, Landscape and Urban Horticulture
PublisherInternational Society for Horticultural Science
Pages875-882
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9789066055254
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2012

Publication series

NameActa Horticulturae
Volume937
ISSN (Print)0567-7572

Keywords

  • Relative humidity
  • Rosa hybrida
  • Screening
  • Selection criteria
  • Stomatal responsiveness
  • Tetraploid population
  • Vase life guarantee

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