Postproduction Evaluations of Potted Asiatic and Oriental Hybrid Lilies

Potted Lilium Asiatic hybrids 'Aristocrat', 'Horizon', and 'Polka' were evaluated following 3, 6, or 9 days of transport at 2, 7, or 13C. 'Aristocrat' and 'Horizon' withstood transport with little or no effect on floral bud opening. 'Polka' was the most sensitive cultivar to transport, where bud opening decreased 33% when transported at 13C for 9 days. Most floral buds opened on 'Aristocrat' (90% to 98%), while fewer buds opened on 'Horizon' (37% to 56%) and 'Polka' (52% to 90%). Individual flower longevity and diameters were largely unaffected by transport. Plant longevity was reduced 4 to 7 days when transported for 9 days at ≥7C or for >3 days at 13C. Plant longevity averaged 16 days for 'Aristocrat' and 'Polka' and 12 days for 'Horizon'. 'Aristocrat' and the Oriental potted hybrid lily 'Star Gazer' were maintained at postproduction conditions of 18, 21, or 24C at 7 or 14 μmol.m -2 .s -1 after being commercially transported for 4 days at 5 ±2C. Postproduction conditions had no effect on floral bud opening of 'Aristocrat' (98% to 99%), while bud opening of 'Star Gazer' was reduced 17% at 24C compared to 18C. Plants lasted 4 and 9 days longer at 18C than at 21 or 24C, respectively. Foliar discoloration was greatest at 24C. Irradiance level had no effect on the variables evaluated.