A study of several methods to extend the shelf life of cut chrysanthemum morifolium

The effects of three growth retardants, Methyl-2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-( 9)-carboxylate (Morphactine IT 3456) at 40 ppm, N-dimethyl amino succinamic acid (B 995) at 300 ppm, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 50 ppm and controlled atmosphere storage, 5% oxygen in 95% nitrogen and 5% carbon dioxide in air, on shelf life of cut Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Indianapolis' were studied. The chrysanthemum flowers were held in the growth chamber at temperatures from 32 to 34 degrees F. with 1,000 foot candles of light intensity for six days while they were subjected to various treatments. After removal from the environator, all flowers were placed in tap water in open air in a room maintained at temperatures from 66 to 70 degrees F. with a light intensity of 20 foot candles.

Flowers in IT 3456 treatment showed that this chemical maintained the quality of flowers for six days and delayed the control. B 995 did not show better results than the control, however, 2,4-D stimulated the physiological processes of chrysanthemum flowers causing early senescence.

Neither decreased oxygen nor increased carbon dioxide levels showed to be of benefit.