H ,1£322,223Z: :,__.:_:_:;_, a L» ‘8 1 :. a “ '3 iv . *1 '-n '«X "1‘.\F-\. 'f . Q "7‘ . “ ‘ ‘i‘ l‘ b j. k ' , imymuyuzuyujnumujlm"1;!un * This is to certifg that the thesis entitled Experimental Qontrol of Storage Diseases of Peonies presented h'l Margaret C.Oh1ander has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements for M430— degree in W]. ture . ‘ Wflm Major professor Dm€_£§Lik¥nmmmqu4£EK) 0-169 _ -_, l.“ OVERDUE FINES: M . 25¢ per day per item RETURNING LIBRARY MATERIALS: Place in book charge from ci {exp} ~ Agms- - ‘- - " fig ‘M‘Mbv' return to remove rculation records EAEEfithATAL COLTKUL OF STCRAHE DISEASES OF CUT Ham? mom by margaret C. Chlander \mm. A THESIS Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Mlchigan State Callers of Agriculture and Applied Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF 83 ENCE Department of HorticulLure 1950 THESIS II. 111. IV. VI. TRFIE 01“ CC‘ 147“?!» "'3 Review of Literature Experimental Procedure Experlmentnl Results Discussion Sumner}; . ,. h_ Blb¢1agru1hy O: 2445’? Fag O i ACKNOWLEDGLMENT The author wishes to'express appreciation to the following persons for their assistance: Dr. D. P. Hatson, Horticulture Department, Michigan State College, for his able guidance and helpful suggestions; to Dr. E. S. Beneke of the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State College, for identification of fungi; to Mr. J. P. Mahlstede for technical aid and advice, and to F . P. S. Andrews for photographic assistance. Acknowledgement is also given to the Cottage Garden Nursery, Lansing, Michigan for donating the peonies used in these experiments. INTRODUCTION The present experiments were undertaken in an attempt to prolong the storage life of peonies by using improved packaging techniques in conjunction with methods of disease control. Prolonged storage of many kinds of cut flowers would benefit growers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. A successful storage program would relieve the peak demands at holidays, provide a greater variety of flowers at all seasons, stabalize flower prices, and eliminate the dumping of surplus flowers by spreading a naturally short crop—season over a longer period. In comparison to the extensive r search that has been done on long term ”low temperature" storage of fruits and vegetables, there are comp paritively little data available on flower storage. Among the factors involved in a storage pnoblem of this type are l) inherent differences in flowers, 2) treatments previous to storage, 3) methods of handling in storage, A) temperature, humidity, and atmosphere in storage, and 5) conditions prevailing upon removal from storage. To be successful, stored flowers should meet high standards of quality. They Should remain in good condition after removal from storage for a reasonable length of time, be free from disfiguring diseases, and retain original or pleasing color and fragrance. When these aims are realized, the industry will be greatly benefited. Longglerm $392532 It has been shown that flowers stored for short periods at low temp- eratures may last longer than freshly cut flowers when they are removed to room temperature. Long periods of storage will usually greatly shorten keeping qualities. figgg 1933 (30) stated that peonies can be held at 35° F for relatively long periods, although 30 days is usually the maximum storage period. Lflhitgg§g_193h (35) reported that tulips held at 32° F for four months, were good in appearance if keeping qualities after storage were not important. Fresh cut buds were superior in keep- ing qualities to buds stored for any great length of time regardless of conditions used. Tulips held for five weeks at 32° F were in good con- dition when removed to room tenperature, but their subsequent keeping qualities were materially shortened. Lilium erabu stored by Bowdgg (5) for 60 days, kept as well when removed to room tesperature, as freshly cut lilies. Eigggg 1936 (36) reported successful storage of peonies for two months at BOO-35° F. ‘flggf 1939 (22) found that keeping qualities of carnations stored dry for 37 days were comparable to fresh carnations, and in some instances lasted longer than freshly picked flowers. in 19A0 Honeywell, Gaylord and {agggtt (1L) stored peonies in various ways for approximately one month with good results. Their figures clearly indicate a marked varietal difference as to ability to withstand pro- longed storage. Packing hethodg Rose 1933 (30) stated that cut flowers should be stored with the stems well submerged in water. Whitemag 193h (35), using tulips, stored one lot dry overnight and another lot in water, and then packed equal numbers (a) in waxed lined box (b) wrapped in newspaper over wax paper. Upon removal from storage the blooms in the waxed lined box were su- perior to those wrapped in waxed paper and then in newspaper. Eigggr 1936 (38) bagged small peony buds in the field with brown paper bags, and out the blooms when the outside petals began to loosen. 1he buds were placed in water for 1-2 hours, then dried and packed in cardboard boxes. Egg; 1935 (21) pointed out that low turgor, brought about by storing without water, retarded maturity. He wrapped French Marigolds in wet cloth, wet moss, and waxed paper, and concluded that waxed paper was the most satisfactory. heff 1939 (22) found that carnations stored dry (37 days) were comparable to fresh carnations, and.superior to carnations stored in water. That there is little evidence in favor of soaking peony stems or sprinkling them with‘water previous to storage was shown by Honeywell, Gaylord and Fawcett 1940 (1A). figggg and co— workers 19h9 (12) were the first to use waxed boxes sealed in cellOphane for the storage of cut flowers. They pointed out that the prerequisites of the film used for packaging are 1) transparency, 2) moistureproof, 3) low rate of gas transmission, A) heat sealing, 5) water resistance, 6) sufficiently durable to withstand handling, and 7) relatively in- expen Sl'v'f? . rethggs of Preservation Low temperature is generally considered essential for the storage of cut flowers, but no cne temperature is suitable for all flowers,(l3)‘ Neff 1939 (23) found that light, either from a screened arc lamp, direct from a mazda lamrb or filtered thru colper sulfate soluticn, was a great aid in extending the life or stored flowers after they were removed to room tsnperature. This was specially true of those stored dry or with stems in a sugar nordert solution. That keeping qualities may be ex- tended by exposing flowers to sunlight after removal from storage was shown by Bowden (5) using Liliwm‘gggbu. Roses stored with stens in a sugaremordant solution undez controlled conditions of light and temper- ature may remain turgid longer than fresh roses when placed at room tem- perature. .Roses stored 18 days may remain turgid longer than those stored 8 days‘gggg l9h2 (2a). In 1921 Fitting (11) reported premature withering of flowers in the presence of small amounts of 002 and other gases. Thornton 1930 (3a) round that rose buds, when removed to warm air after a period or storage in 155 002 for 7 days at 380-500 F, lasted as well as untreated roses which had been in cold storage without added 002 for 3 days. This treatment gave a possible gain of four days. Further work by‘gggggggu‘ 1930 (34) has shown that roses could be stored longer than 7 days in 002 and still remain in the bud stage, but upon removal to room temper- ature petals drop rapidly; Langlez 1934 (19) stored several varieties of roses and carnations at BBQ-3&0 F in atmospheres of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. uesults varied widely depending upon kind and variety of filower. In general both 002 and H S retarded Opening in 2 storage and produced some fading. H23 extended keeping quality of carnations but not roses. Qaggation.1az..fipegtggfl, treated with H28 for 2-3 hours were better than fresh flowers. This was not the case with all varieties. Nerf l93h (20) working wits roses, peonies, iris, and Verbenas found that 002 decreased the h-ion concentration of the cell ”J’I‘. sap, and that this change was correlated with the change in petal color. It was pointed out that CO2 may have a part in reducing fungal growth in storage Lin 19A8 (18). He concluded that both low temperature and modified air with 5} 002, 2% 02, and 95% N have retarding effects on fungal rots of apples. ‘gggggs 1938 (7) showed that an atmosphere of 23% 002 retarded Eggggtig and fihigqpug rots of strawberries,:and that at 37% 002 their growth was completly inhibited. Uontrql of Fungus Information concerning the control of fungus in storage is limited almost entirely to fruits where treatments usually consist of a fun- gicidal dip, fumigation before storage, or impregnated wrappers. Modi- fications of these techniques might warrant further investigation as applied to the storage of flowers, but none of these specific treatments were used at this time. Elgxtgg l9tl (8) used paradichlorobenzens to control the blue mold disease of tobacco. It seemed as if this treat- ment might be applicable to the control of fungi on flowers in storage. The.material is readily available, easy to apply, non-toxic to humans, and gives a continuous fumigation action over a long period of time. These features suggest that this material might function as a fumigant for controlling fungus on flowers in storage providing it was non-toxic to the flowers, and would inhibit the growth of the fungi. Fumigating action was obtained by Zgntggg l9hl (27) working with the storage of grapes. Partial control of fungi was obtained with pellets made of sodium bisulphate and ammonium carbonate which were included with the packaged grapes. Fumigation before packing appears to offer some -3- possibilities. Egggggg 19Al (27) obtained outstanding results by fumi- gating grapes for 20 minutes previous to packing with a concentration of la by volume of sulphur dioxide at 70° F. 333333 1958 (3) obtained good results by fumigating cantaloupes with nitrogen trichloride. Ozone has been used rather extensively in apple storage. §mgg§ 1941 (32) found it gave fair control of various rot organisms when introduced into the storage from 1-2 hours daily at the rate of 1-2 ppm. r Storage -u“.- ~0- P‘s “9 5m ,0 a; 3* JO ,1}: (4' {D Many recommendations can be found in non-scientific journals sug- gesting the use of aSpirin, salt, vinegar, clorox etc. in water to pro- long the life of cut flowers. ‘Qggqmgt 1911 (10) after testing the effect of varying concentrations of sugar and salt solutions on many different kinds of flowers, concluded that no one concentration was good for all flowers, and that the reaction varied with the genus, species and even the variety. Of the numerous solutions tested he con- sidered sugar to be the most effective, and listed sodium chloride, dipotassium phosphate, "chloral", and magnesium sulfate as of some value. figudsgg 19lh (16) was not able to substantiate the work of Ducomet. He worked mainly with flowers which normally are short lived, and pointed out that there should be greater possibilities of extending the life of flowers that normally have a long life period. by using any one of the following solutions he was able to prevent the putrifaction of marigolds and zinnias in water: .015% zinc sulphate, .O5fi strontium chloride plus .lSfi calcium chloride, .02% barium chloride plus .15% calcium chloride, .OOl% copper sulphate or .01% magnesium sulfate. in l926lggigh§m (29) reported on the use of sulfurous acid by the Experiment Station in Hawii. They found that a 63 solution increased the keeping quality of cut flowers. in 1926 an anonymous article (1) mentioned that sulfuruus acid was of special value on hydrangeas and other heavy stemmed flowers. Hitchcqgg and ‘Zigmggmag‘lQZQ (13) tested over 51 chemicals without any significant results, with the possible exception of ethyl alcohol. Both Phlox and Uoreopsis lasted 1-2 days longer in a 1.5%-2.5% solution. They also pointed out that transpiration was reduced by many of the chemical treatments, but in all cases the flowers which remained in the best condition were those that lost the greatest amount of water daily. 553213 1932 (2) found that a 5% glucose solution increased the life of several annuals, whereas dilute aspirin reduced their life in some in- stances. Contrary to the results of Hitchcogg (13) he condluded that the lowering of transpiration by the sugar solution paraIeled the longer life of the cut blooms. Workers in Ohio l9h0 (26) found some benefit fran the following; 1) hydrazene sulfate plus sugar, 2) potassium aluminum sulphate plus sugar, and 3) Santomerse penetrator plus sugar. Fifteen different amino acids were tested by‘flggggg (5), who found only one of these N— (£5-hydroxyethyl)1B-Alinine to be bene- ficial. In addition several sugars, acids and aluminum potassium sul- phate were tried alone and in various combinations with two commercial preservatives, "Floralife" and "Bloomlife", serving as controls. Results indicated that a combination of amino acid , sucrose, and aluminum potassium sulphate extended the keeping qualities of Better Times roses 3-5 days over commercial preservatives. Neff 1942 (2A) obtained indifferent results with a number of solutions, but found solutions of ferrous chloride plus sugar, and ferrous sulphate p1us:sugar -7- materially increased the life of roses. in an attempt to prevent petal drop on a number of different genera of flowers by the use of solutions of the sodium salt of alpha napthalene acetic acid, Whitgmgg 19h9 (35) noted some beneficial effects at 50 ppm.on Penny var. Festiva_maxima, and indifferent results with other varieties of peonies and several different kinds of flowers. enumerate The peonies for this experiment were all obtained from the Cottage Garden Nursery of Lansing, Michigan. Cutting was begun on June 13, and was continued over a period of seven days. The majority of the peonies were out between 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 noon. In Some cases, however, in order to secure enough or one variety, it was necessary to cut a few during the afternoon and evening. The following varieties of'figggniglggligl4'Lig were used; §_;;§ .922!§§2 (red), flélflfi flggtgnsg (flesh color), Walter Faxon (coral pink), and figgah fiernhggqg (pink). These varieties were chosen because of their availability, and not necessarily because they were known to have lasting qualities. The stage of maturity at which the buds were cut cannot be rep- resented bv inches of diameter, as this varied greatly even within a va iety. Buds were cut when the outer layer of petals were just be- ginning to unfold, but before the center of the bloom was plainly visable. After five dozen peonies had been out they were placed in containers of water in a closed truck. At no tine were they allowed to remain in the truck for a period greater than four hours. Since the packing operation extended over a period of several hours, it was found necessary for most efficient Operation and in order to prevent the Opening of the buds, to store the peonies in water in the refrigerator (£50 1") until such time as they could be packed. This period varied but was usually about 4 hours. Prr-f‘for: 1:2: 1:95-:1ent Since no information scones available concerning the control of fungus on cut flowers during storage, the various treatments were sea looted on the follow' 3 basis. (Table l) The peonies were dipped in solutions of Bordeaux mixture, zerlate, parzate, silver nitrate, and actidione. Alter dipping,the peonies were sto: d urri: ght in a five gallon can to facilitate the draining of the excess solution. Para- dichlorobensene crystals were enclosed in 3" x 3" squares of double layer cheesecloth, and the ends were pulled together to form a bag that was stapled to the collar 01 the box. (r‘ig . 1) ‘figgg: The application rate 01 paradichlorobensene was increased over the rate recommended Ior use in tobacco seed beds Pinksrd (193’)) (28) at 500-750 F to compensate for the lower rate of volatilization (9) that would occur at the temperature used for peonies (SAC-36° F). The crystals used ranged in size from 1/16" - 1/8". In order to obtain a preliminary check on the tolerance of peonies to paradiohlorobeazene, buds from peonies that were forced in the kiohigan State College greenhouses were packed in waxed, cellophane sealed boxes, 21" x 5" x A", containing cheesecloth bags of paradi- chlorobenzene in 1,2,3, and h gram quantities. The boxes were placed in 3&0-360 F storage, and after two weeks were removed for observation. Since at this time there was no apparent injury to the peonies when A grams were indluded in the box, this concentration of paradichlorobenzone was used in succeeding experiments. “Passage Peony varieties relig Crou:* se, Reine Hortense, 3nd Waite e; 'axo. Eflfi=§$Q§¢GE TREATMENTE TREATMENT MATERIAL RATE OF LETHOD 0F REASON OF CHOICE 3 APPLICATION APPLICATION l. Acti- 10 pp Dip Praising neu anti- dione biotic; 2. Silver 3.75 as. per Dip Reported to be as effective nitrate 3 gal. H20 as Bordeaux.and to leave no residue. 3. Bordeaux 56.5 ans. each Dip Generally recognised as a of hydrated standard in estimating the line and CuSO effectiveness of other in 3 331s. 820 fungicides. L. Zerlate 27 ans. For Dip Comparitively new and (zinc 3 gals. H20 effective fungicide with base) wide application. 5. Parzate 27 ans. Per Dip Similar to Zerlate but (zinc 3 gals. H20 often effective when base) Zerlate is not. 6. Faradi- h gms. per In Continuous fumigating chloro- 105 sq. ins. box actim. ' benzene 7. Hater ---- Dip Control 8.‘ None ---- --- control .l‘ ‘4 "at“? A. Fig. 1 Pennies packed in waxed cardtoard box which was sealed in CPlonhdhe. A chequclcth bag con~ tainir; paradichlorobenzene may be seen stapled to the onllar of the box. were packed in waxed cardboard boxes 21" x 5” x h"*, and hm? t sealed in cellophane. Six peoni es we: e ;laced in each box with thret h3u15 at each end. Fig. 1. Bo oxes were 3laced in storage at Sho- 36 F. In order to determine whether a simplified method of packaging night be ado; ted, twenty do: en untreated perries of the varie‘y tars h ternhardt were tied in bunches of six, and wrapped in waxed paper. Half of these were placed in a cardboard carton h2.5" x 1A" x 12", and the other halt were placed in a similar carton contain no pnrzdic: lric‘enzenc. The crystals were placed in a fielded strip of cheesecloth, l" in width, tnat ran the full length of the box and was stapled to the cover. Twenty grams or param mhlor mb nzene were used, which was an increase of anproximately 8 grams over the rate recommended by Pinkard for tobacco (28). j . .0 These boxes were placed in storage at 34 -36° b 1110.“ «'15 0.7.13 -.. ‘ ‘1 lsolations of fungi were made than peonies before they were placed in storage, and again Upon ranQVal from storage. The fungi were cul- 3 tured on potato dextrose agar and later identified. '31 I echo of “Heredichlnrobenzene on Specific Fungi fungi isolated from peonies before storage, as well as those isolated Iron peonies after removal from storage, were plated on petri dishes con- ts inim; potato dextrose agar. The colonies were allowed to grow at roan temperature until the colonies were approximately 1" in diameter, at which time the ezcent of the colony was inked on the outside of the petri dish. lne disses were p'Cried one to a box, in waxed cardhoar-i * These boxes were not des i.=;ned specially tor tnis projec,. A box measuring 27" x 6" x A" or even longer would be more desirable. boxes, in which paradichlorobenzene crystals contained in cheesecloth were included at the rates of two and four grams. The boxes were then - - . o I o ‘ - sealed in cellophane and placed in storage at 3h -30 b. boxes without paradichlorobenzene were also included for comparative purposes. After twenty days, the outermost limits of growth were again marked on the dish, and the increase in area determined by the use of a planimetsr. ill- One dozen of each treatment and of each variety was removed to room temperature ( approximately 75° F ) from storage at various intervals throughout July and August. The stems were cut, and equal numbers of each variety and treatment were placed in tap water, water plus"rloralife", and a solution of 50 ppm of the sodium salt of napthalene acetic ac1d. After the first two series, (1A and 31 days in storage), the napthalnne acetic acid treatment was omitted because it significantly shortened the life of the peonies. Data from flowers stored for 1h days have not been included. These flowers served to establish the method of making observaticns, and all data were compiled frcm the five succeeding series. Since only an occasional flower opened after two days at room tempera ature, the total number of open and partly open flowers was recorded at this time. It was conSidered necessary to include partly cpen flowers because Var. flgigg Hortense frequently failed to completely unfold the outer row of petals. Petal abscission after vigorous shaking of the flowers, or petal wilt, served as criteria for stating flowers were dead. in the following discussion Vars. Felix Crousse, Reing HOFtQQRS: and Walter Faxcn will be referred to as Vars. 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Eflects of Preustoragg Treatments The fungal growth was first evident directly under the bud on the margins of the bracts, as well as on blasted axillary buds. For periods longer than 66 days in storage, the fungus had progressed to the leaves, and in a relatively few cases had advanced to the flowers. Fifty five p ' n. ‘ ' .' - v ‘ r- 3-: - \ N 4‘! u . v.1 -' - 1 I. . -~'r'\‘ - t . ‘1 percent at pennies re;iesentinq all treatments shhdfid Visible zungii grnv’u when removed from the boxes after a two week storage period. The quantity of fungus was not suificzent to make these peonies unmarketahle. Four WGELS after storage this was increased to 76%, and for periods longer than four weeks fungal growth was observed on 87%. Paradichlorobenzene completely prevented fungal growth even after 73 days in storage. This fact caused the percent of diseased flowers to be lower for all treatments, and is therefore not a representative average. There was no visible differente in control between the other treatments. Silver nitrate caused some browning on the margins of the petals or the light colored varieties, and a white streaked appearence in the dark variety. Parzate left a white residue on flowers and foliage. Bordeaux mixture gave a blue tinge to the petals of the light varieties, and on the dark variety left a white residue. The residue on the foliage was not sufficient to be objectionable. Paradichlorobenzene caused injury that was apparent alter two weeks in storage. At that time the leaves appeared to be watersonked when held to the light, but again this injury was not sufficient to be objec- tionable. After LS days in storage the leaves showed signs of severe drying and yellowing. ( Fig. 2 ) This was particularly notiCeable on Vars. Walter Faxqg and Being Hortense which for this reason no longer had foliage that could be considered of commercial quality. After 66 days the foliage of Felig Crnussg showed severe injury, and after 73 days the petals were slightly browned. The natural fragrance was masked by the odor of paradichlcrobenzene which disaypeared after several hours of exposure to rocmttenperature. 0 “‘4 A Vlfio<‘ «0‘ 2.. A. . 1.. , 3 fa if uL. un‘JI vr‘l1 .. 1! \ 4 ~ .II » ”.0 rtfiur.lfl.‘ 0H FWD 'quM’H mg an. 4 . ~.. I ‘ ‘ r“ c. \ .‘U ixflfi plvflg ( WW . 11 C. u . L ....W~H . w H. l I‘. L\:. ‘ {\r'H . .na 4 rfipx: ) U I . . r N .MuH 9 .PL .‘ P‘“ a h" yr '~. v 3 I a .‘ l" ’0 1 V'. E o‘ :1 -‘ - .‘ v, .- ,- ' . .A‘ Tue t;>rg,1.:.a-t,. .21 the 1934-1336: 3223,91 5-3..L£:I.*,-3 d'-‘jhn’llng (:1. the {Frustfinnro trvstrvnt. Enth turmnr and cola“ warp excellent (9 covi ‘ a 3 . . - ' I t~ ~ . ‘ '\. y y o- E 1'“! _'=:rI‘ -ticnf-tvnz. 9218) miter 73 (1533’s 1n sturwf’. A 5'1 Sht ”lit-“*3. ““5 noted in the Bordeaux treatment and the dry cantrol, but turxidlty way gulckly rpgainvd when the stems were placed in water. KP=?inW Qflfllifies 6? Cut Flowers at Rnnm Temr9r2+ur9 lherp is a marked varietal difference as to the number of flcwprs wyvning, and to the rapidity at which this Opening takes place when the flnwwrs are removed frcm stora e and p18 :9d at room temperature. The rinWfirs of Var. 1 (FGIix rnn"ae) opened most rayidly to the full bloom sthE. (Fig. 3) ln sharp contrast tn Var. l the buds of Var. 2 (Rn)-r.e Hortense) and Var. 3 (W.91t Fr igggg} opanrd more slowly. $hP flmwers of Vars. 2 and 3 showed a tendency to remain cuyped so that the «11f or rows of pet 11$ ass DIN-3d a more w tics]. than a. hmis'. rial pm 25331:“ 1n relation to the stem axis. (Fig. h) This condition was occa3inn~139 13w} («rent in Var. 1 after 06 da3 s in st.orage. fitts r 31 da"s in storage anyr0“imately 100$ or the flowers of Var. l, and 96% of Var. 3 Oppned when ylaced in water. (Fig. 5) Var. 2 Sthfid a marked tend ency to remain in bud. (Fig. 6) After 66( d~vs in storm 9, rec9rds to? tiis var iety were dISC'fluJILr because all flowers fwiled to mpen. fifter 66 days in storage several flowers of Var. 1 nyennd an fine swc+cr cnly, and apneared wilted, but after 26 hours in “ate ,Ieg res gained turgnv 9&8 Opened in a normal manner. (Fig. 7) 1n gvnenal, twwrr nwars of all thnwe varieties oyenod as the length of the sfnrwge purind V'g. 8 shnws thw inf JPDCQ 01 the rrovqfo“&vn trv'+r91+u on the .20fifincuoo Winnie EH5,“ mifléim mmmzcfi KHTL .5...» .3039 .3 r..$xC4x_ 1+ rig, A ' — 9 .' n - H SHE’NJJLT "-2123 x 1.”; .‘L ‘D‘. 1.11. 9:“ 5’8 2-9- 4( m >._.w_m<> N >._.m.m<> _ >Pm_m<> Hmwmmmmfi _u:m.__m_mmm gamma l2 39‘18018 SAVCI can: zoom .2 was a 5:4 62.280 3.3.33... no x 3m % N3d0 SHBMO‘H ‘4‘. “It" ll-|lll 13" oCmrmu SQ m...fl£ MU irHZHflwH UCflcktnm Wm.fi..v~+¢ww.~ mfldmm couch». hflfiwu HO GLQECHL ’\ 7 o .3; \ .mv9p0;m :a mpwz 3; Logan 6222; m:x {Cauwmucu \1 . .a. .1) .) . I -. ) x, . 4.. . . ., . mJ. .4. 4 .14.”-‘1‘1 nlilqllu Uflrk‘u 0.;ym,r.(. {.r» ~(QW-1L»~C «:0 Lag-kmflrfl ”.0 .thW4anan :Cfl'éryéwu .W,v(;r\(HH.. .fiHrQfi. OCHx.) ‘ , m. .u? °’o DEAD FLOWERS .b O OJ 0 N O J 5 1 EFFECT OF PRE-STORAGE TREATMENT ON KEEPING QUALITY OF FELIX OROUSSE PARZATE ZERLATE BOR DE AUX TREATMENT keeping quality or figlig 2533333 when removed to nine temperature. This variety opened more buds in a more normal manner than the others, and consequently is more representative. bordeaux mixture was most detri- mental, paradichlorobenzene and the "wet" control were most favorable, and the other treatments were uniformly injurious. The percent dead flowers is averages for 31, 45, 59, and 66 days in storage, and were obtained in the following manner: number flowers dead ( after 5 days at room temp.) x 130 ~~ O... ‘- fl number flowers open (after 2 days at room temp. ) The influence of the length of the storage period on the number of salable flowers after 4 days at room tanperature is shown in Fig. 9. :rs 0%, and Sarah_ 1 With Felix Cranes: approximately 60%, flging fig; Bernhardt 355 or the filowers were salable after four days at room tem- perature following LS to 66 days of storage. Flowers considered as not salable in this chart are those that did not open as well as those that died after four days. Since a large preportion of the flowers in Var.2 and Var. 3 did not open the chart is not a true representation of the keeping qualities of those flowers that actually Opened. If flowers that failed to Open had not been indluded, the keeping qualities of these varieties would have been more nearly comparable to Var. 1. This chart represents the overall storage value of a variety from a commercial standp’Jint . Results indicate that in general keeping quality is reduced as the storage period increases. This relationship is shown for Var. l (fig;;§ (haylsqg) in Fig. 10. it can be seen that the number of flowers dead on INFLUENCED % SALABLE FLOWERS AS BY DURATION OF STORAGE IOO _§9v HOlS SAVO I2 r fl o o o o o (D (D N 'dW3l M1303 .LV sxvo 17 831:”! SHEMO'IJ 31svws VARIETY 2 VARIETY 3 VARIETY I ‘36 NO. FLOWERS DEAD KEEPING QUALITY AT ROOM TEMP. AS INFLUENOED BY DURATDN OF STORAGE 5° VARIETY l 59 DAYS /73 DAYS .04 / / 345 DAYS 30* "x’66 DA“ 20 ./-'3I DAYS ./ ./ |o« ./ ° 2 3 4 5 DAYS AFTER REMOVAL 4" 9 *1" ‘ I the second day at room tauperatqre increases with the length of store 9, 4ith the e<"eptian oi the 73 day series. ”lhis relationship 0:1 the 3rd and nth day is not as cleirlv dez;ine i, but appears to be remestablished on_the 5th day. The life of 103193 his not been oreatly increaved by using varion A '1) chemicals in the water. The sodium salt of 2”tin-ens acetic acid seriously decreased keeping qualities, and its use was discontinued. ”Floralire" appeared to be of some value on Var. 3 (dalter .EEEQQ): tut more e «e: sive 1;rjals would be necessar" to justify this conclusion The Opening of the flowers was apparently not influenced by the use of ”Floralifs". PewniHs Sttred in Lorne cartons “on. -m“” .8----L—-mn.---o M... .-Q After A5 days in storage the large cardboard cartons were opened for obserVation. it that time all the par adichlorobenzene crys,als ha volatalized, and the gas had escaped from the non air~tight box. This test was considered of no further value, and was discontinued since the flowers were as Seriously damaged by fungus as were those PHCked dry in a carton Without paradichlorobenzene. .1 d 3221.11.29.94121.91;er a; The funii so} ted irIm the peonies lctore storage wezm found to he the same as those prcousing the visible fungal growth on the peonies in storage. The fungi were identified as rusarium §2~ and Alternaria Effiect of Paradichlorohensene on Speciftc one: to rroeth of P15 rjum so. was evident in the petri dishes that were ~‘-Jw & placed in the refr'geritor. it was assumed that 35° F was too low a temperature for normal growth of this fungus. However, a colony of Alterngris huminolg almost tripled in area unless 2 or h grams of aradichlorobenrene had been included in the box. When this was done, “(,1 there was no increase in the size of the colony. Upon removal to room temperature,'colnnies of both fungi made normal growth. [US '1‘ I 54.13151 The reason for the failure of the buds of flgng HggLeL se to open when placed in water at room temperature is not entirely clear. It is {$0 sibl- that water was not being translocated in sufficient quantity. A red dye (acid fuschin) was readily transported up the stem and into the flower petals, but this was no indication of the quantity 9 water absorbed. Little dift'erence was ionnd between the quantity of water absorbed by one varietv in relation to another, but no quantitative records were taken. The arranganent or the petals in Var. 1 (r‘eli:x Croussv) as contrasted to Var. 2 (Re Cne Hortense) ma y explain the ifference in opening. In Var. 1 the flower is of the bomb type, that is the central petals are in an up- right position, and these are surrounded by a single layer of petals which are folded over the inner petals. 1n Var. 2 the petals are tightly overlapped, and alter storage the margins of the petals have a tendency to cling together, thus making it more difficult for the flower to expand. In Var. 1 opening only involves the unfolding of the outer layer of petals, whereas in Var. 2 all the petals must unfold. It was interesting to note that in all cases the lirst signs of visible fungal growth appeared in the vicinity of the buds rather than on the foliage. The margins of the modified green petals that surround the bud in its earliest sta3es of growth were the Iirst to show rungs 1 activity. A su3ar gel is found on voung peony buds, which ma} :es 8 natural media for fungal growth. Ants are often Iound t‘eeding on this material, and may carry fungus spores. Leech 1938 (17) found that the ‘ most commonly occurring spores in the infrubuccsi pellets of ants found associated with peony buds were those 01 Plterna ia sp.. A species of this same fungus has been shown to be present on pennies in the present inv est i3ation, and it is believed to be the most serious source of infection at this time. This suz3er ts that a control png cram de- signed to eliminate ants might lower the incid.er:e of Alteir aria. *6...“- The use 01 paradichlorobenzene did not prove to be commercially practical in these experim.nts. It is true that control of flungi was obtained without disfiguring injury to the foliage for a period of A to 6 weeks. The amount of fungus growth in the untreated boxes for a similar period was probably not suffic1ent to be objectionable. It is probable, however, that since the ce110phane cover over the boxes almost completely eliminated loss of the paradichlorobencene gas, a much lower concentration of paradichlorobensene might give effective control without injury to the flowers. It seems likely that an optimum anount 01 para l)robet ne could be established to guarantee fungus control without causing injury to the peony. It might be practical to pack the peonies in such a manner that intermittent fumigation could be practiced. No satisfactory explanation has yet been offered for the control of downy mildew of tobacco with paradicr ornh~nzi.,. Horsefall (15) suggests that since it has been lound that fumigation must be repeated at frequent intervals, the fungus is probe: ly not killed but rather sporilation has been retarded, and that this inhibition of sporulation may be cauStd by a disturbance in the spindle formation of mitosis. Horsefall bases this suggestion of the mechanism of inhibition of sporulation on some work by 235333 19th (4) who treated onion root tips with benzene, and found that spindle formation was interfered with and diplo~chromosomes and tetraploid -31. cells resulted. Since the vapours of paradichlorobenzene go into solution when they are in contact with water on the surface of the leaf, dipping the stems in a wax preparation previous to packing might reduce injury. The wax should lower the quantity of vapor that enters the leaf, therefore substantially reducing the injurious effects. It is conceivable that the fungus might grow under the wax coating or that its' use might have other detrimental effects. This modification in the use of paradi- chlorobenzene warrants further investigation, along with other materials that would provide a similar action. The various fungicidal dips used to control fungus were apparently without benefit. Since at least two of the causal organisms have now been identified, it would appear practical in any future work to use the technique suggested by Nielson l9h2 (25) to determine the effect of various fungicides on these organisms. This method consisted of spraying individual leaves with fungicide, adding spores, and incubating in a moist chamber. Some explanation should be offered for the detrimental effects of Bordeaux mixture. Conflicting claims have been made about the influence of Bordeaux mixture on transpiration. Horsefall (15) believes that these claims are probably all correct, since Bordeaux sometimes increases, sometimes decreases, and sometimes has no effect on transpiration. He further points out that in general, Bordeaux increases cuticular and reduces stomatal transpiration. Since in cold storage the stomates would be closed, no reduction of stomatal transpiration could occur, and if Bordeaux caused an increase in the cuticular transpiration this might be valid reason for explaining the detrimental effects observed. 1his reason is further strengthened by the fact that Upon removal from storage the foliage of the peonies treated with Bordeaux.were less turgid than in the U] those in the other treatments. On the other hand, the peznie paradichlorotenzene treatment showed a severe loss of turgidity, and yet were superior to the other treatments in keeping qualities. With this in mind it would seem necessary to explain the effects of Bordeaux mixture on some other basis. _§}- S UNI-E ARY Variety Felix Crousgg is superior to either Reine Hortense or Walter Faxcn for long term storage at 35° F. Storing peonies in waxed boxes sealed in cellophane appears to increase their storage life. ln general, keeping qualities after removal from storage to room temperature, varies inversely with the length of the storage period. After 60 days in storage 61% of Felix grousse, 0% of flging Hortense, and 36% of Walter Faxon were in a salable condition after 4 days at room temperature. Fungi isolated from the peonies in storage were identified as Alternaria humicgla and figsarium éB-o Low temperature (35°F) apparently prevented further growth of Fusarium‘gp. but not Alternaria humicclg. Paradichlorobenzene completely controlled fungal growth on peonies in cellophane sealed wax boxes stored at 35° F for over 73 days. Para- dichlorobenzene used at 2 or h grams per 420 cubic inches, prevented the growth of Alternaria humicola but did not prove lethal. Paradi- chlorobenzene caused severe injury to the foliage but not to the flowers. This injury was not sufficient to be objectionable until after 59 days in storage. 9. 10. ’l! —"‘_‘u m .fl 113‘!)va a. "—... ‘2 Anonymvns. Sulfm ¢;ue acid preserves out {lounrs. Sci. Amer. 155: 3:12, D90. 1 n'Jb. Arnold. Z. Ihe pres serVJtion of cut f17worq (Trans. title) Garten- bauwissen Santa ,5 (l9 3E1), No. h, 2.3990r Exp. Sta. Rec. 66: darger, W. R., Wiant, J. 8., Pentzer, W. T., Rvall, A. L., and Dewev, D. H. A cumuariuoo ofiun71eidxl tr..+mpq15 12? the cnq;:,. of decav in 6311' 31.12 c.n+a1~nwa khvtouatn ,i: l3‘9-112h. 1,7u3. Berger, C. A., Witkus, E. R., and Sullivan, B. J. ‘Zhe cvfologi d1 effaits 01 anQfiQQ1V3“Q£~ Torrey Bot. Club Bull. 71: bfl0*“)}. 1944. Powder), R. A. Drv 51017479 of cut Li}.1i‘fl..¢.‘la.§}£- The University of Georgfl Uolleje oz Agr. Sul. Report of Research, 193A. Bowden, H. A. A stufigflgggmaintainiqg_the red cqlnr in {Qiflgo Thesis. Eichigan State Scllege, lghg, Browks, 0., killer, E. V., Bratley, C. t. and Tohnson. H. B. Effecj ot_sqlid anwgase 33*ca +r2n91+ diseases c_t certain fruits a1:_vgéetq r173 U. S. b. A. 'iech. bul. 3l8,19)u. 0., Coolev, 7 5. Hook, P. v., U: .n‘ dj0(1nn 7.: )nn I‘T‘.“_- -h-- 0m Ola .on, E., Gaines, J. G., Shaw, K. J., Smith, T. E., and Graham, T. H. ..}n.c: treat.mu—7n__'__.___+ .7317 He cont rt7]._q1 blue. meld d1 «tune of tobacco, '- D.--‘-‘-“—-.- Leaflet U. S. whent. Agr c. 209,1951. Darkis, F. R., Vermillion, H. E., and Gross, P. M. P-dicbl_orobfiq7eng as a {vaior 1'7 r717 71*: nhveze‘; 1119 Chem“; 7:31 5713261177713. .umus. £319.13. chem., 32: 9J6~949,1940. lhuxywfi, V., and Fourton, L. Preservation of out flogezg. Florists Exchange Bl: 597-598. 1911. Fitting, H. Whv 11 27.473173 fade; I‘he ‘prr «“1755 o__._,_ 7.41 therznr as.” reduced to “-..” m I... 48~J9~‘ ho7anical terms. Sci. Amer. who. 4, (3,, 20'7- 2.0, lwrl. Hague, A., bryant, w., and laurie, A. Prefpac‘ fililflg of“ _ ”low Froc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. #9: #9 7~ ~432, 19"7. a. m Hitchcock, A. E. ., and Zimmerman, P. W. Eif'oct o: c enrical L_tennernsure a__r_j.___d humrr‘v on the lasting one] 111%" or C11t‘1.'lm._-‘r§. Amer. Iour. \...’()U. 1?" (6') £33.?‘1‘C‘, 1:122:10 1A, ronu"vpl] E. H., Gaylurd, F. J.,8nd Fawcett, L. J. ‘Egggg;§jg§3§§. lndiana bta. Dul. AAA: #7, 199C. 15. Pierszall, J. G. runric jflcs_ 1nd freir cuflC Chronlca botanica V‘. '111;)(11,LJ ’ 1-2 3()_—1‘-I“). 16. Knudsnn, L. PreserVira cuf flnwwrs. Amer. florist AB : 6A9- b“ C. 191A 17. leech, J. 0., and Dcsdall, L. Phgpwvatiérv on t‘ digs mgrnilnn 01 M“ “nu-us. - -W -‘ «5—..- fury: by Fry‘s. Yhytoyath. 28: [HA-15133, 1938, 1?. Lin, K. H. TVe 6f1'90f. oI' n :dif: dhgjr on thv ro*tint c: ajgl~s ig aforarp. Llngnun bci. u'surn., 22:133-l"3, 1943. “Us. “9V. AFFI- rye. 27. 368, 19a8. 39. Lsn .’v' .IF- .1 J ,. 1t 19w temperafiurea_ On tf-n4r }:fn;;;n; nn991t1=.. rron. nmer. Soc. n —- -‘u fi.-I~'_'I-—-‘~? 102', 'L. 1‘3. Sr-mp effects 01_ _s_torr«s:e of 3" (wars- in varicms JFFQS 1 _ \rv‘ Hort. 501. bu: 007-0U9, 1934. 20. Nerf, H. S. C?19"99 in flavor colpr as evidence of Chm P“P"+‘“‘r"f of carton (110931.! in r(;d‘,:-:::Egzflhstlme erht" ot'Llant t'ws;;i_:. Jontr. Layne Inomgscn inst. 6: AOB-AOb, 193a. 21. Nerf, M. 3., and Lonnie, W. E. viola o of French Farggplds. Prue. “QW - Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 31: OQ'-UC;, 19 35. 22. Raff, A. 5.. Problfme _in_}:e storare 01 cut carnativns. Plant 0“. Phy5101.3"fl 1L. 291-K9”: <939' 1C1: 5015C1,1939. 2?. hcrf, M. 5.01:? 9rd keexjnfl Qualit.jes of cut flowers. Hot. Wu”. 2%. Nerf, M. 5. "itPCtS of sfnr9r9 conditffns on cu’ rfifigg. tof, U32. “‘7' j- 103: 79;}"8’x35, l 11",". 25. Niels 2L, L. W. btvdie: wj‘“ silve“ cnm'"hn s and “1V*“”F" 93 “(v ‘.r I mticidal s;rg;s._ uorx'we 1 Anr. nxp. Lta. hen. ~2A8: 1-? :A, 19LP. 26. Ohio Station Bulletin 617: h?~43, IGAC. 27. Pentzpr, W. T., and darner, W. R. A cwrgwri .on of fungicifln} trgwfinnn.¢ fdr fife central of F9‘rvfis ref of Lrares in storaig. Proc. Amer. (V. I‘ (‘1’ ’- f3”. ‘1‘?" JOC. “0". oul. i9: di~285, L291. K3 \0 ,0 Pinkrrd; J. A., and Melean, H. F9 ”9"‘fifi7~"90"""2. an wrnd} C_; rt w‘w‘--wmwmfl- Q- — ul- '- zunvl aide effective against downy m jg§n oi tvflgcro,. thfi'Jo opath 29: 1:2‘10 1939. 29. Pridran, A.M.S. §;;i urrw: acid and cut flowers. Flower Grower 3: 194, April 19 5. ’2’) 24-0 \ O ks} 0 \Q " ‘ ' .' T -‘ * f) ‘ ' - ' r \ _ o . “. ' 'L. ‘ ‘v '* ‘4 I ‘ w..- nose, 9. 5., ”righu, u. u., and Ahltemar, T. h. L,“ c'.f.~ u»_; stC:. . o N ‘ r . .. .‘- ‘ ' .I 0t trvlfgl V0“r4:hies. and i1~r«9#9' at 5. h. b. Uevt. AarTc. ..ql _ r7,- v. .'\ ‘ ._. . VTrc. 2,8: 1-94, 42;). Scott, L. 3., and Tewflk, Salah. Atmmsxhe"icrchanrws_ GO vv'4L: in 11 n-'r”“hnd pic} 'P5 35 ve'04'-P‘ss ““1 IPM1‘S. Bree. muer. SUC. I‘CI‘t. 361. A0: 130,1x}%10h7.“'-—-«~-- Smock, R. M., and Watswn, R. D. Czan 1n apfle s4nrnfe. RM r1; Engsg. ?: 97-1Cl,l941. Thornton, N. U. J'“h