Abstract:

On the basis of anatomical observation, the postharvest stem blockage in cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) flowers and the effect of the nano silver treatment were investigated.The results showed that the obvious vascular blockage was found in the cut stem end，but not in the stem segments of upper and middle parts of cut gerbera flowers. Observation under SEM certified that the vascular blockage was resulted from bacteria. Pulsing the stem end of cut gerbera flowers for 24 h in nano silver solution, the vascular blockage could be significantly alleviated and delayed, and the vase life was also markedly prolonged.

Key words: gerbera, Gerbera jamesonii Bolus, nano silver, vascular blockage, bacteria