EFFECT OF DRY STORAGE ON BACTERIAL COUNTS IN STEMS OF CUT ROSE FLOWERS

The number of bacteria in the basal 5 cm of the stems of cut rose flowers (Rosa hybrida L. cv. Sonia) stored in water for 1 to 4 days was positively correlated with the number of bacteria in the water. Subsequent dry storage of the flowering rose stems resulted in an increase in the number of bacteria in the stems, similar to that occurring in stems that were held in water. Low temperatures during dry storage (5C) reduced the reproduction rate of bacteria in the stems. Use of aluminum sulfate (0.8 g-liter-1) during the rehydration period before dry storage limited the number of bacteria in the stems and prevented their subsequent increase during dry storage.