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Vol. 34 No. 2 (2025)

Articles

The effect of storage and Chrysal Professional 3 on the postharvest longevity and morphological characteristics of selected peony cultivars (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ah.2025.5617
Submitted: October 7, 2025
Published: 31.12.2025

Abstract

In recent years, peonies have gained great popularity among florists. They can serve as a valuable element of decorative arrangements, including wedding compositions. The high demand for cut flowers of the species Paeonia lactiflora encourages research on the possibilities of storing peony buds in cold storage and their postharvest opening. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of storing buds of P. lactiflora cultivars Barbara, Ewelina, Jadwiga, Prof. Wóycicki, Ursyn Niemcewicz, and Ursynów at a temperature of +1°C for periods of 2, 4, and 8 weeks, as well as the use of Chrysal Professional 3 solution, on their vase life and morphological traits, such as inflorescence diameter and petal length and width, as well as overall flower quality. The experiment demonstrated that the storage period of peonies largely depends on the cultivar. It was shown that cultivars Barbara, Ursyn Niemcewicz, and Ursynów are suitable for storage of up to 8 weeks. The longest storage life – 8 weeks was maintained by stems of the Barbara cultivar placed immediately after cutting in distilled water, while buds of Ursyn Niemcewicz and Ursynów opened successfully when placed in Chrysal Professional 3 solution. For cultivars P. lactiflora Barbara and Prof. Wóycicki in order to obtain high-quality cut flowers, the stems should be placed immediately after harvest in a solution of Chrysal Professional 3.

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