Factors affecting quality and post-production life of Exacum af®ne

Two cultivars of Exacum af®ne, White Princess and Royal Dane, were grown under supplementary light conditions (70 and 100 mmol mÿ2 sÿ1). The higher light intensity reduced the production time and resulted in increased ̄ower development during the post-production period in an interior environment. To test ethylene responses, the plants were sprayed with the anionic silver thiosulphate complex (STS) and then exposed to 3.5 ml lÿ1 ethylene or kept in an ethylenefree environment. The post-production quality and life of Exacum plants were reduced by the presence of exogenous ethylene. Inhibition of ethylene action improved post-production ̄ower numbers even in the absence of ethylene. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.