Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the vase life of cut carnation, Delphinium and sweet pea flowers

Abstract

Summary The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the vase life of cut carnation, Delphinium and sweet pea flowers, which are typical ethylene-sensitive flowers, were compared with that of silver thiosulfate complex (STS). Treatment with 1-MCP doubled the vase life of cut carnations, and significantly extended the vase life of cut Delphinium. The effect of 1-MCP, however, was slightly weaker than that of STS in carnations and much weaker than that of STS in Delphinium. Treatment with 1-MCP markedly extended the vase life of cut sweet pea as did that with STS.