Silver Treatment of Carnation Flowers for Reducing Ethylene Damage and Extending Longevity1

Abstract

Direct coating of flowers of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv White Sim) with Ag ions by spraying or momentarily dipping flower heads with AgNO₃ (50-100 ppm) extended cut flower longevity and counteracted the enhancing effect of ethephon on senescence. Treating stems and leaves similarly had little or no effect. Stem base treatment with 1000 ppm was much less effective than treating the flower directly. Maximum efficiency of the AgNO₃ spray was obtained when a period of 2 hours elapsed between the AgNO₃ treatment and exposure to ethephon. In spite of the great extension in longevity, silver spray has limited practical use since it causes petal spotting.