Resumen

GONZALEZ-AGUILAR, Susana  y  ZAVALETA-MANCERA, Araceli. CaCl₂ in gerbera vase life: pigments, phenols, lignin and scape anatomy. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2012, vol.3, n.3, pp.539-551. ISSN 2007-0934.

Gerbera jamesonii has short vase life characterized by bending of floral stem (scape). With the purpose to extend gerbera vase life, three different CaCl₂ concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0%) were tested in Duela and Shirlaine varieties. Weight loss of whole flower and ligules was less than in control with 0.5% and 1.0%concentrations. Whole flower and ligules weight was reduced with 0.5% and 1.0% concentrations when compared to control. 0.5% concentration was best treatment; it increased average vase life (25 d for Duela and 24 d for Shirlaine). Floral stems treated with built up CaCl₂ more Ca⁺²in apex (25.33 ug g-¹ for Duela and 64.0 ug g-¹ for Shirlaine), lasting erect longer than control (9.67 ug g-¹ for Duela and 13.67 ug g-¹ for Shirlaine). With 0.5% concentration a second experiment was performed to assess total carotenes, anthocyanins (pelargonidin, cyanidin) and phenols concentration changes in ligules. Shirlaine's anthocyanins did not change in treatments. Phenols increased 21% in Shirlaine and 40% in Duela with regards their initial concentration, in contrast carotenes decreased 60% and 35% at the end of vase life, respectively. Interfascicular tissue is more lignified in cv Duela than in cv Shirlaine, giving it more resistance. The lignified relative area (%) on scape's medium region was greater in Duela (7%) than in Shirlaine (4%). Greater stem resistance in Duela is explained by its anatomy and lignification, but in both varieties CaCl₂was effective to delay senescence and scape's bent.

Palabras llave : calcium; gerbera; senescence; preserving solution.