Plant type and antidesiccants influence longevity of cut pepper stems for floriculture applications

Authors: Stommel, John; Dougherty, Laura; Collins, Paul; WIEN, CHRISTOPHER - Cornell University; UVA, RICHARD - Seaberry Farm, Llc

Submitted to: HortTechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/27/2022
Publication Date: 2/9/2023
Citation: Stommel, J.R., Dougherty, L.E., Collins, P.J., Wien, C., Uva, R. 2023. Plant type and antidesiccants influence longevity of cut pepper stems for floriculture applications. HortTechnology. 33:215-224. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05144-22.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05144-22

Interpretive Summary: In the floriculture trade, cut pepper stems are typically grown for their fruit to add color contrast to the foliage and blossoms of conventional floral arrangements. Stems are commonly stripped of foliage since it wilts rapidly. Black foliage pepper plants have generated considerable interest for use as pot and bedding plants. We have also developed black foliage pepper lines with tall vigorous growth habit that are of interest to cut flower growers for use as cut stems in floral applications. Three divergent cut stem lines with black foliage and varying fruit types and leaf morphology were evaluated together with commercial hydration protection spray products to identify effective vase life treatments and new pepper plants that combine both fruit and foliar interest with acceptable cut stem life. Storage of cut stems at cold temperatures extended foliage and fruit life of cut stems without causing cold damage or hastening decline upon transfer of stems to room temperature conditions. Efficacy of protective spray products was limited and benefits were dependent on plant type. Fruitless stems exhibited extended vase life in comparison to stems with fruit. The results demonstrate that cut stems of new pepper plants with vigorous upright growth habits and black-pigmented foliage, together with diverse fruit morphology, provide innovative possibilities for stunning cut flower arrangements that will benefit cut flower producers and consumers.

Technical Abstract: In the floriculture trade, cut pepper stems are typically grown for their fruit to add color contrast to the foliage and blossoms of conventional floral arrangements. Stems are commonly stripped of foliage since it wilts rapidly. Three divergent cut stem ideotypes and commercial hydration protection spray products were evaluated to identify effective vase life treatments and new pepper genotypes that combine both fruit and foliar interest with acceptable postharvest cut stem life. Three inbred USDA C. annuum breeding lines with tall vigorous growth habit and black foliage were selected for evaluation as cut stems for floral application. Line 190-2 produced upright, tabasco-like fruit; 191-1 produced upright, clustered round fruit; and 196-1 was fruitless. Leaves of line 191-1 were larger and glossier in comparison to 190-2 and 196-1. Three commercial hydration protection sprays Crowning Glory (FLCG), Finishing Touch (FLFT) and Aqua Finish Clear (AFC) were evaluated on treated cut stems stored at 10 C and 23 C. Pepper genotype had the greatest influence on cut stem foliage and fruit vase life. The fruitless line, 196-1 exhibited extended vase life in comparison to fruited lines. Cold storage extended vase life of cut stems. Significant foliar treatment*days after cutting interactions suggested that treatments varied in their efficacy over time to delay leaf wilt of cut stems. FLCG reduced foliage vase life at 23 C and AFC extended foliage vase life of the fruitless line 196-1. Relative to foliage, fruit exhibited greater resistance to desiccation with glossier fruit of 191-1 desiccating more rapidly than fruit of 190-2. The results demonstrate that cut stems of new pepper genotypes with vigorous upright growth habits and black-pigmented foliage, together with diverse fruit morphology, provide innovative possibilities for stunning cut flower arrangements.