Question

Short term treatment for about 16-20 hours, given to cut flowers with high concentration of sucrose, \(AgNO_3\), Benzyl Adenine etc to increase the shelf-life is called:

• A. Grating
• B. Holding
• C. Pulsing
• D. Priming

Hint:

Pulsing is to "cut flowers" what loading is to "cargo." It fills them up with energy (sucrose) and defense (silver) for the long journey of transportation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Post-harvest management of cut flowers is essential to maintain their aesthetic appeal and extend vase life. Various chemical treatments are used to provide nutrients, inhibit ethylene production, and prevent microbial growth.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Pulsing (Option 3): This is a short-term pretreatment (usually 12 to 24 hours) where the stems of cut flowers are placed in a solution containing high concentrations of sucrose (2% to 20%), ethylene inhibitors (like silver thiosulfate or silver nitrate), and sometimes cytokinins (like Benzyl Adenine). The goal is to rapidly load the flower tissues with reserves and preservatives before they are shipped. This significantly extends the shelf life and improves flower opening.
2. Holding (Option 2): This refers to the solution used during the entire stay of the flower in a vase (lower sugar concentration compared to pulsing).
3. Priming (Option 4): This is a seed treatment technique used to improve germination, not a post-harvest treatment for flowers.
4. Grating: This is not a standard term in post-harvest floriculture.
Given the specific description of a short-term, high-concentration treatment, Pulsing is the correct term.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct term for this short-term treatment is Pulsing.