The goal of this research was to evaluate the influence of vase solutions on the postharvest longevity of snapdragon inflorescences. Stems of snapdragon 'Potomac White' harvested with six to seven open flowers were treated as follow: (1) distilled water at 20oC (control); (2) warm water at 43oC for one hour, followed by distilled water (20°C) as vase solution; (3) solution of Flower at 20°C; (4) vase solution of 200mg L-1 8-HQC+20g L-1 sucrose+150mg L-1 citric acid at 20°C; (5) warm water (43°C) for 1 hour followed by Flower as vase solution (20°C); (6) warm water (43°C) for one hour and 200mg L-1 8-HQC+20g L-1 sucrose+150mg L-1 citric acid as vase solution (20°C). The vase life of snapdragon inflorescences varied from 3 to 7 days according to the treatment used. The longest longevity was obtained for the flowers treated with 8-HQC, sucrose and citric acid, which did not compromise the flower opening. Furthermore, the inflorescences kept in this solution had higher the fresh weight gain when compared to distilled water or Flower after 24 hours, reaching 24% increase on the fifth day of rehydration. Thus, the appropriate vase solution maintains the quality and extends the longevity of cut stems of snapdragon.
vase solution; postharvest; Antirrhinum majus
