In order to extend the shelf life of potted plants, preservative solutions were sprayed on the plant canopy, including the use of silver based solutions, which act as ethylene action inhibitor. The efficiency of silver was tested on the post production of small chrysanthemums for the varieties Rage, Summer Time and Davis, sprayed witle 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM of the silver thiosulphate (STS). The experiment was arranged in randomized blocks in a factorial arrangement (3 varieties X 4 concentrations), plus control treated with distilled water. The number of days for inflorescence to start opening, for the beginning of post production till discard, extend of vase and shelf life were evaluated. The senescence of 50% of the inflorescences was used as end of the shelf life for the plants. Based on the data, spraying the plant with 0.5 mM STS extended the longevity of the variety Rage.
chrysanthemum; shelf life; silver thiosulphate
