Extending vase life of cut Epidendrum ibaguense inflorescences with aminoethoxyvinylglycine

Abstract

^{This work evaluated the influence of the aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), an inhibitor of ethylene synthesis, when applied in pulsing solution or sprayed, on the abscission and longevity of cut star orchid (Epidendrum ibaguense Kunth) inflorescences. The cut stems were placed in solutions with 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mM AVG concentrations immediately after the harvest for periods of 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours. The same treatment concentrations were sprayed on the inflorescences until runoff. The experiment had a randomized complete block design with factorial treatments of rate and duration plus rate of application to the flowers, with five replicates, with three stems per experimental unit. Regardless of the way the AVG was applied, the inhibitor extended the flowers' longevity in approximately 70% compared to the control treatment, reaching maximum effect at 1.5 and 2 mM AVG. The percentage of abscissed flowers diminished in all treatments containing AVG, with higher efficiency when sprayed over the inflorescence, decreasing the abscission by 80% at concentrations between 1 and 2 mM AVG.}