CCF Post-Harvest Care & Floral Preservation 2

Question 1

What is ethylene gas and why is it significant in floral post-harvest management?

Accepted Answer

A natural plant hormone that accelerates flower aging and senescence

Answer

A refrigerant used in commercial floral coolers

Answer

A synthetic preservative chemical applied to cut stems

Answer

A pesticide commonly used on greenhouse flowers

Question 2

Which group of cut flowers is most sensitive to ethylene gas exposure?

Accepted Answer

Carnations, roses, and alstroemeria

Answer

Sunflowers and dahlias

Answer

Tropical foliage and succulents

Answer

Dried flowers and preserved greens

Question 3

What role does the sugar component in a three-part floral preservative play?

Accepted Answer

Provides carbohydrate nutrition to sustain continued flower development

Answer

Lowers the pH of vase water to inhibit bacteria

Answer

Acts as a biocide to kill microorganisms

Answer

Reduces the water temperature in the vase

Question 4

What is botrytis and how does it affect cut flowers in storage?

Accepted Answer

A gray fungal disease that causes spots, decay, and petal collapse

Answer

A beneficial mold that slows respiration and extends shelf life

Answer

A bacterial wilt that travels through stem vascular tissue

Answer

A virus that causes color-breaking streaks in petals

Question 5

Why should cut flowers be stored away from fresh fruits and vegetables in a floral cooler?

Accepted Answer

Ripening fruits emit ethylene gas that accelerates flower senescence

Answer

Fruits absorb moisture from flower petals

Answer

Vegetables compete inefficiently for cooler airflow

Answer

Fruits introduce bacterial contamination into flower water

Question 6

What is the correct post-harvest handling technique for hollow-stemmed flowers such as delphiniums to ensure full stem hydration?

Accepted Answer

Turn the stem upside down, fill the hollow cavity with water, plug with cotton, then condition normally in a bucket

Answer

Place stems directly in dry floral foam without water

Answer

Sear the hollow stem end with a flame to create a seal

Answer

Submerge stems fully in ice water for one hour

Question 7

What pH range is generally recommended for vase water or floral preservative solutions to optimize stem water uptake and inhibit bacteria?

Accepted Answer

pH 3.5-4.5 (mildly acidic)

Answer

pH 3.0-3.5 (strongly acidic)

Answer

pH 7.0 (neutral)

Answer

pH 8.0-9.0 (alkaline)