scholarly journals Consumer Preferences for Longevity Information and Guarantees on Cut Flower Arrangements

HortScience ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 769-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia L. Rihn ◽  
Chengyan Yue ◽  
Charles Hall ◽  
Bridget K. Behe
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Linkage Cluster

Choice experiments were conducted to explore the market potential or value added when using longevity information and guarantees on cut flower arrangements in the retail setting. The objective of our study was to determine consumer preferences and willingness to pay for different vase life longevities and guarantees on cut flower arrangements. The choice experiment data were collected using online surveys with 525 U.S. consumers in July 2011. The choice experiment scenarios included single species or mixed species cut flower arrangements with varying vase life longevity (5 to 7 days, 8 to 10 days, 11 to 14 days), presence or absence of vase life longevity guarantee, personal or gift use, and price range ($7.99 to $11.99, $34.99 to $43.99). Two types of arrangements were used in the experiment, mixed arrangements consisting of different species of cut flowers and single-species arrangements consisting of six red roses plus a filler flower. We analyzed the data with a mixed logit model and Ward’s linkage cluster analysis. As expected, participants were willing to pay higher prices for cut flower arrangements with longer vase life longevity. The presence of a guarantee improved participants’ probability of selecting the corresponding cut flower arrangement. Using Ward’s linkage cluster analysis, we found there were three distinct consumer clusters: guarantee seekers (49% of the sample), value-conscious consumers (31%), and spenders (20%). Among the three clusters, guarantee seekers were more likely to select cut flower arrangements with guarantees. Value-conscious consumers were interested in both guarantees and longevity indicators. Spenders were least interested in longevity indicators and guarantees. We conclude floral retailers could successfully implement the use of longevity indicators and guarantees to increase consumer interest in cut flowers and generate profits. Target marketing strategies could then be developed by floral retailers to attract different consumer clusters.

scholarly journals Understanding preferences of German flower consumers: the desire for sustained beauty

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 560-576
Author(s):  
Meike Rombach ◽  
Nicole Widmar ◽  
Elizabeth Byrd ◽  
Vera Bitsch
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class Analysis ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Class Analysis ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relative Preference ◽  
Best Worst Scaling

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights for flower retailers, horticultural practitioners and marketing managers into the prioritisation of cut flower attributes by German residents.Design/methodology/approachApplying a best–worst scaling approach, this analysis identified the relative ranking of importance amongst product attributes relevant to German consumers when buying fresh cut flowers. A latent class analysis determined four flower consumer segments for further study. The study builds on a sample of 978 consumers and is consistent with the most recent German census in terms of age, gender, income and federal state.FindingsThe best-worst analysis showed that intrinsic flower attributes, in particular appearance, freshness and scent were found to be more important to German consumers than the extrinsic attributes studied, namely, price, country of origin and a certification indicating fair trade. The latent class analysis determined four consumer segments that desire either budget, luxury or ethical flowers or more information about flowers. For all identified consumer segments, appearance was the attribute of greatest importance. The segments that desired luxury or ethical flowers, as well as the segment that desires more information were interested in appearance, but also had relatively large shares of preferences dedicated to flower freshness guarantees. The preference for freshness guarantees in addition to appearance may be interpreted jointly as a desire for not only beautiful and aesthetically pleasing flowers, but for sustained beauty.Originality/valueInternationally, the study fills a research gap by exploring consumer’s relative preference for cut flower attributes. In contrast to existing studies on consumer preferences for flowers in Germany, the present study builds on a sample that was targeted in terms of age, gender, net household income and federal state to the most recent German census.

scholarly journals Identification of Xylem Occlusions Occurring in CutClematis(ClematisL., fam.RanunculaceaeJuss.) Stems during Their Vase Life

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Jedrzejuk ◽  
Julia Rochala ◽  
Jacek Zakrzewski ◽  
Julita Rabiza-Świder
Keyword(s):  
Water Uptake ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Microbial Growth ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Bacterial Development ◽  
Growth Formation ◽  
New Treatments

During the vase life of cut stems obstruction of xylem vessels occurs due to microbial growth, formation of tyloses, deposition of materials in the lumen of xylem vessels and the presence of air emboli in the vascular system. Such obstructions may restrict water uptake and its transport towards upwards thus lowering their ornamental value and longevity of cut flowers.Clematisis a very attractive plant material which may be used as cut flower in floral compositions. Nothing is known about the histochemical or cytological nature of xylem blockages occurring in cut stems of this plant. This study shows that inclematis, tyloses are the main source of occlusions, although bacteria and some amorphic substances may also appear inside the vessels. A preservative composed of 200 mg dm−38-HQC (8-hydroxyquinolin citrate) and 2% sucrose arrested bacterial development and the growth of tyloses. This information can be helpful in the development of new treatments to improve keeping qualities of cutclematisstems.

scholarly journals FIELD-GROWN CUT FLOWERS: AN ECONOMICAL ANALYSIS FOR PRODUCTION IN THE OZARKS

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 659d-659
Author(s):  
Gloria McIntosh ◽  
Gerald Klingaman
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Response ◽  
Stem Length ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Flower Production ◽  
Economical Analysis ◽  
Celosia Cristata ◽  
Number Of Stems

Several cut flower species were studied to determine their feasibility for cut flower production. Three fertilizer treatments (0.5, .1, and .15kg/m2 respectively) were used and their effect on number of stems, stem length and fresh weight were determined. Celosia cristata and Ageratum houstonianum `Blue Horizon' proved to respond best to fertilizer treatments. Celosia fertilized at a rate of .15kg/m2 will produce approximately 200 stems/m2. Ageratum will produce appoximately 400 stems/m2 when fertilized at a rate of .10kg/m2. Fertlizer rates of .10 and .15 kg/m2 for Eustoma culture yielded 86 stems/m2, which was lower than other species used in this test. Extended vase life and consumer response could possibly justify using this species in cut flower production. An economic break-even analysis will be presented to show what price will have to be received per stem to cover costs.

scholarly journals Cold Storage of Selected Members of the Proteaceae and Australian Native Cut Flowers

HortScience ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 1395-1397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rod Jones ◽  
John Faragher
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Cold Storage ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Term Storage ◽  
Chamelaucium Uncinatum

Five members of the Proteaceae and 13 Australian native cut flower cultivars were stored for 35 days under standard conditions at 1C to assess their ability to withstand long-term storage and transport. Protea cynaroides L., Leucadendron `Silvan Red', Leucospermum `Firewheel', Thryptomene calycina (Lindl.) Stapf., Telopea speciosissima R. Br., and Verticordia grandtiflora Endl. retained a vase life of at least 7 days after 21 days of storage. Leucospermum cordifolium Salisb. ex Knight, Protea neriifoli R. Br., Chamelaucium uncinatum `Alba', C. uncinatum `Purple Pride', Verticordia monadelpha Turcz., Verticordia plumosa (Desf.) Druce, and Verticordia nitens (Lindl.) Schau. suffered a decline in vase life ranging from 31% to 100% after 14 to 21 days of storage. Species of Verticordia and Chamelaucium were particularly susceptible to fungal infection. Anigozanthos pulcherrimus Hook. and the Anigozanthos cultivars Ruby Delight, Bush Harmony, Bush Haze, and Gold Fever all showed a significant reduction in vase life after 14 days of storage compared with unstored controls.

scholarly journals Postharvest Handling of Cut Inflorescences of Ebenus cretica L.

HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 636e-636
Author(s):  
J.C. Vlahos ◽  
M. Papadimitriou
Keyword(s):  
Water Potential ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Average Life ◽  
Preservative Solution ◽  
Postharvest Treatments ◽  
Postharvest Handling ◽  
Flower Quality

Ebenus cretica, Leguminosae, is a perennial bush endemic to the island of Crete, and produces attractive pinky red or purple flowers on 15-cm long racemes. To study the possibility of its use as a cut flower, cut inflorescences on 40-cm-long spikes were taken from plants grown outdoors in the farm of the Technological Educati Institute and used to determine the postharvest characteristics of Ebenus flowers. Without any postharvest treatments, the inflorescences held in water had an average life of about 7 days. A solution of 100 ppm 8-hydroxyquinone sulfate (HQS) in DI water, supplemented with 5% Ca(NO)3 increased vase life for 2 days and improved the water potential without affecting transpiration, whereas the addition of 2% or 5% sucrose decreased vase life by 1 or 2 days respectively. Pulsing with 0.2 mm STS for 2 h improved flower quality and vase life. Addition of 6-BAP (2 ppm) or GA3 (3 ppm) in the preservative solution did not affect flower quality or vase life compared to control. These results indicate that inflorescences of Ebenus cretica may be used as cut flowers; however, further research is required to determine their sensitivity to ethylene as well as its storage capabilities.

scholarly journals Storage Temperature Affects the Quality of Cut Flowers from the Asteraceae

HortScience ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fisun G. Çelikel ◽  
Michael S. Reid
Keyword(s):  
Storage Temperature ◽  
Freezing Point ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Gerbera Jamesonii ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Dry Storage ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Stem Bending

The respiration of cut flowers of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus ex Hook.f. `Vesuvio') and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) increased exponentially with increasing storage temperature. Poststorage vase life and negatively gravitropic bending of the neck of the flowers were both strongly affected by simulated transport at higher temperatures. Vase life and stem bending after dry storage showed highly significant linear relationships (negative and positive, respectively) with the rate of respiration during storage. The data indicate the importance of maintaining temperatures close to the freezing point during commercial handling and transport of these important commercial cut-flower crops for maximum vase life.

scholarly journals Continuous Automatic Measurement of Water Uptake and Water Loss of Cut Flower Stems

HortScience ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peitao Lü ◽  
Xinmin Huang ◽  
Hongmei Li ◽  
Jiping Liu ◽  
Shenggen He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Uptake ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Automatic Measurement ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
High Data ◽  
Cut Rose ◽  
Loss Rates

In studying the postharvest water relations of cut flowers, researchers aim to determine rates of water uptake and water loss along with changes in fresh weight. An automatic apparatus was devised for continuous monitoring of these indices. The novel apparatus consists of two balances automatically recording mass at a relatively high data acquisition rate (min−1), a personal computer, two containers, and plastic tubing. The apparatus is accurate, labor-saving, and real-time. It enabled dynamic synchronous recording of water uptake as well as fresh weight of the cut flower stem, from which precise water uptake loss rates during vase life can be accurately determined. Rates of water uptake and water loss of individual cut rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Movie Star) stems were measured using the apparatus under alternating 12-h light and dark periods. Both water uptake and water loss rates fluctuated with the light to dark shift over 120 h of observation. Stem fresh weight increased rapidly over the first 40 h of vase period and decreased gradually thereafter. Cut lily (Lilium hybrida cv. Yellow Overlord) stems showed similar trends in water uptake and water loss rate to cut rose stems. The accuracy and sensitivity of the new apparatus was validated by comparison with manual weighing using a balance at 2-h intervals under alternating 12-h light and dark periods over 108 h. The apparatus described here constitutes a suitable method for direct measurement of water uptake and fresh weight, including capturing relatively rapid water balance responses to changes in the postharvest environment.

scholarly journals POTENTIAL OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE TO EXTEND THE LONGEVITY OF CUT FLOWERS

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 503E-503
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Macnish ◽  
Ria T. Leonard ◽  
Terril A. Nell
Keyword(s):  
Chlorine Dioxide ◽  
Deionized Water ◽  
Aerobic Bacteria ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Gerbera Jamesonii ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Fresh Cut ◽  
Postharvest Longevity ◽  
Number Of Bacteria

The postharvest longevity of fresh-cut flowers is often limited by the accumulation of bacteria in vase water and flower stems. Aqueous chlorine dioxide is a strong biocide with potential application for sanitizing cut flower solutions. We evaluated the potential of chlorine dioxide to prevent the build-up of bacteria in vase water and extend the longevity of cut Matthiola incana `Ruby Red', Gypsophila paniculata `Crystal' and Gerbera jamesonii `Monarch' flowers. Fresh-cut flower stems were placed into sterile vases containing deionized water and either 0.0 or 2 μL·L–1 chlorine dioxide. Flower vase life was then judged at 21 ± 0.5 °C and 40% to 60% relative humidity. Inclusion of 2 μL·L–1 chlorine dioxide in vase water extended the longevity of Matthiola, Gypsophila and Gerbera flowers by 2.2, 3.5, and 3.4 days, respectively, relative to control flowers (i.e., 0 μL·L–1). Treatment with 2 μL·L–1 chlorine dioxide reduced the build-up of aerobic bacteria in vase water for 6 to 9 days of vase life. For example, addition of 2 μL·L–1 chlorine dioxide to Gerbera vase water reduced the number of bacteria that grew by 2.4- to 2.8-fold, as compared to control flower water. These results confirm the practical value of chlorine dioxide treatments to reduce the accumulation of bacteria in vase water and extend the display life of cut flowers.

scholarly journals Effect of PGRs on Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical in Delay Senescence of Lily Cut Flowers

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1704
Author(s):  
Sabir Aziz ◽  
Adnan Younis ◽  
Muhammad Jafar Jaskani ◽  
Rashid Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Vase Life ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Chlorophyll Contents ◽  
Spad Value ◽  
Maximum Change ◽  
Preservative Solutions

The short vase life is the major problem in the cut flower industry. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of different vase solutions and oils in enhancing the quality and vase life of lily cut flowers. Salicylic acid (SA; 300 mg L−1), citric acid (CA; 300 mg L−1), gibberellic acid (GA; 100 mg L−1), and clove oil (200 mg L−1) were used as vase solutions. These treatments were applied after pulsing with preoptimized sucrose 5%. It was found that SA (300 mg L−1) + sucrose (5%) improved the performance of cut flowers, which further increased the longevity of all tested lily cultivars up to eight days and the longest vase life by 17.6 days. The maximum change in fresh weight (5.60 g), increase in chlorophyll contents (3.2 SPAD value), highest protein content (6.1 mg g−1 FW), and increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (51.0 U g−1 protein), catalase (CAT) (36.3 U g−1 protein), and peroxidase (POD) (41.6 U g−1 protein), were recorded with the CA (300 mg L−1) + sucrose 5%. Among the cultivars, “Zambesi” performed best compared to “Sorbonne” and “Caesars”. The maximum anthocyanin contents (198%) were recorded in “Caesars”. In conclusion, among the different preservative solutions, SA performed best to prolong the vase life and quality of lily cut flowers.

scholarly journals The Effect of a Sugar-Containing Preservative on Senescence-Related Processes in Cut Clematis Flowers

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 432-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julita RABIZA-ŚWIDER ◽  
Ewa SKUTNIK ◽  
Agata JĘDRZEJUK
Keyword(s):  
Proteolytic Activity ◽  
Cysteine Protease ◽  
Reducing Sugars ◽  
Soluble Proteins ◽  
Flower Senescence ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Free Proline ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Life Itself

Clematis is a new species grown as cut flower, whose vase life is variable and cultivar-depended. Little is known about senescence of its cut flowers and their response to flower preservatives. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a preservative (standard preservative SP, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate plus sucrose) or a biocide solution (8-HQC) on certain senescence-related processes in cut clematis flowers. Analyses were done immediately after harvest and at the end of the vase life when control flowers held in water were wilting. A possible relationship between senescence parameters and the vase life of clematis taxa was also sought. As in most cut flowers, the contents of reducing sugars and soluble proteins in clematis petals decreased during the vase life while the proteolytic activity, including that of the cysteine protease, increased and was accompanied by accumulation of free proline and ammonium. Cut flower longevity in cultivars under study was not associated with the initial levels of reducing sugars, soluble proteins or free proline. Neither was the initial proteolytic activity or its increase during vase life related to the vase life itself: cultivars having comparable life spans differed dramatically in the initial and final proteolytic activities. Both solutions containing 8-HQC significantly affected the senescence-related processes and flowers held in them had more soluble proteins and lower proteolytic activity (total, and that of the cysteine protease) than control flowers held in water. Approximately a twofold increase in reducing sugars was observed in flowers held in SP relative to those held in water or in 8-HQC while the accumulation of free proline and ammonium was limited in their petals. This suggests a regulating action of exogenous sugar in senescence of clematis flowers. However, the delay of senescence produced by the preservative was not always associated with a longer vase life in any given cultivar. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of sugar in clematis flower senescence.

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