Longevity of torch ginger inflorescences with 1- methylcyclopropene and preservative solutions

this work aimed at the assessment of the influence of 1-mcp on ethrel action and on its association with preservative solutions on torch ginger. in the first experiment, the inflorescences were pre-treated with 1-mcp in sealed chambers at concentrations of 0, 1, 1.5, and 2.0 g m-3, for 24 hours. later, the inflorescences were submitted to the treatment with ethrel (100 μl l-1) in sealed chamber for 24 hours. in the second experiment, the inflorescences were pre-treated with 1.5 g m-3 of 1-mcp for 24 hours, being posteriorly transferred to vases containing water, flower？, florissant？, and water without 1-mcp pre-treatment. the fresh matter and the quality of the inflorescence were daily appraised using the scale grading. the best results were obtained for 1.5 g m-3 of 1-mcp. the association between 1-mcp and florissant？ provided larger longevity and quality in the postharvest conservation, increasing in five days the longevity in relation to those kept only in water.