1-MCP Improves Display Life in Begonia × hiemalis 'Blitz' and 'Carnival'

We investigated the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on ethylene production induced by simulated transport stress in $Begonia$ ${\times}$ $hiemalis$ 'Blitz' and 'Carnival' to improve the display life in potted plants. The simulated transportation conditions were imposed for 4 days in simulated export containers with darkness, vibration with continuous shaking ($150{\pm}20$ rpm) on a rotary lab shaker, and low temperature ($12^{\circ}C$). Plants were treated with 1-MCP at three concentrations (5, 25, or 125 $nL{\cdot}L^{-1}$) and for three different periods (0, 6, or 12 hours) before undergoing the simulated transport stress treatments. Treatment with 25 or 125 $nL{\cdot}L^{-1}$ 1-MCP inhibited the abscission of open flowers by more than 40% as compared to the untreated plants. One week after the treatments, the ethylene production decreased in the plants treated with 125 $nL{\cdot}L^{-1}$ 1-MCP for 'Blitz' and 25 $nL{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for 'Carnival'. Ethylene production was correlated with concentration and duration of 1-MCP treatment in 'Blitz', but not in 'Carnival'. To reduce flower abscission and ethylene production, thus improve the display life when plants are exposed to transportation stress, we recommend pre-treatment with 1-MCP before packaging, using concentrations and durations specific to each cultivar, 125 $nL{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for 6 h and 25 $nL{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for 12 hours for 'Blitz' and 'Carnival', respectively.