Effect of Cycloheximide and Holding Solution on Vase Life of Cut 'Blue Magic' Iris Flowers according to the Flower Development and Opening Stages

Abstract. This experiment was conducted to clarify the effects of cycloheximide and holding solution on vase life of cut ‘Blue Magic’ iris. The vase life of iris flowers held in 3% sucrose (S) + 100 mg･L -1 hydroxy quinoline sulfate (HQS) + 50 mg･L -1 AgNO 3 + 100 mg･L -1 Benzylaminopurine (BA), 3% S + 100 mg･L -1 HQS + 10 μM cycloheximide (CHI), or 3% S + 100 mg･L -1 HQS + 50 μM CHI were much longer than those held in distilled water. Squeeze stem phenomenon that showed at a holding solution containing 200 mg･L -1 HQS disappeared at a holding solution containing 100 mg･L -1 HQS. The holding solution containing 3% S + 100 mg･L -1 HQS + 50 mg･L -1 AgNO 3 + 100 mg･L -1 BA extended the most effective treatments on vase life, fresh weight, water balance, and flowering of cut iris flowers. However, the holding solution containing 3% S + 100 mg･L -1 HQS + 10 μM CHI and 3% S + 100 mg･L -1 HQS + 50 μM CHI was not effective in solution uptake or transpiration, but did result in high water balance. Iris flowers treated with CHI at the half-open flower stage showed increases in ornamental value, such as full flower opening and extended vase life. To improve flower quality and prolonging vase life of cut iris flowers, a holding solution containing 50 μM CHI can be used continuously from the half-open stage.