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

Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that triggers ripening and senescence; exposure to even low concentrations can dramatically reduce the vase life of sensitive flowers.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Carnations, roses, and alstroemeria

Answer

Carnations, roses, and alstroemeria are among the most ethylene-sensitive cut flowers; exposure causes rapid petal drop, wilting, and color loss.

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

Sugar supplies carbohydrates that fuel petal development, maintain color, and replace the energy the flower can no longer produce via photosynthesis after being cut.

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

Botrytis cinerea is a gray mold fungus that thrives in high-humidity storage, producing spores that cause brown spots and rapid petal and foliage decay.

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

Ripening fruits are high ethylene producers; even brief co-storage with ethylene-sensitive flowers can significantly reduce their vase life.

CCF - California Certified Florist Practice Test

CCF - California Certified Florist Practice Test

CCF Post-Harvest Care & Floral Preservation 2