BOUQUET OF CUT FLOWERS

Abstract

Described is a flower bouquet conferring extended freshness to an aqueous nutrient medium for keeping cut flowers, as well as a method to confer a prolonged longevity to one or more cut flowers, comprising the step of allowing one or more cut flowers, with the cut surface of the stem thereof, to be in contact with the said aqueous nutrient medium.

Claims

1.-22. (canceled)

23. A bouquet of cut flowers, comprising: one or more cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe having a stem length of at least 35 cm, capable of conferring elongated freshness to an aqueous nutrient medium for cut flowers by contact of the cut surface of the stems of the said cut flowers with the said aqueous nutrient medium, one or more cut flowers belonging to a genus different from Kalanchoe having prolonged longevity by contacting the said one or more cut flowers, with the cut surface of the stem thereof, with the aqueous nutrient medium.

24. The bouquet of claim 23, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe having a stem length of at least 45 cm.

25. The bouquet of claim 23, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe having a stem length of up to 60 cm or more.

26. The bouquet of claim 23, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe being free of branches that originate from the lower quarter of the stem of the cut flower.

27. The bouquet of claim 23, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe being free of branches that originate from the lower third of the stem of the cut flower.

28. The bouquet of claim 23, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe being free of branches that originate from the lower half of the stem of the cut flower.

29. The bouquet of claim 23, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe not being subjected to removal of branches.

30. The bouquet of claim 23, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe being free of stems that reach not further than below the upper third of the stem.

31. The bouquet of claim 30, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe being free of stems that reach not further than below the upper quarter of the stem.

32. The bouquet of claim 23, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe being double type.

33. The bouquet of claim 23, the cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe being interspecific hybrids.

34. The bouquet of claim 32, wherein the interspecific hybrids originate from a crossing with Kalanchoe laciniata.

35. The bouquet of claim 33, wherein the interspecific hybrids originate from crossings between at least two of the following species: Kalanchoe aromatica, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe gricilipes and Kalanchoe laciniata.

36. The bouquet of claim 33, wherein the interspecific hybrid is chosen from the group of varieties, consisting of: Fancy White Meadow, Delicate White Meadow, Blossom Pink Meadow, Beautiful Red Meadow, Amazing Pink Meadow, Adorable White Meadow, Adorable Pink Meadow, Fascinating Red Meadow, Juicy Pink Meadow, Lovable Pink Meadow, Sophisticated Pink Meadow, Tender White Meadow, Warm Yellow Meadow, Warm Orange Meadow, 2009-0938, 2009-0261, 2012-0939, 2009-1274, 2012-6026 and 2011-0322.

37. The bouquet of claim 23, comprising cut flowers from the family Rosaceae, preferably from the genus Rosa.

38. The bouquet of claim 23, the one or more cut flowers belonging to a genus different from Kalanchoe comprise a plurality of cut flowers belonging to different genus, species and/or varieties.

39. A method for conferring elongated freshness to an aqueous nutrient medium for cut flowers, comprising the step of contacting one or more cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe as defined in claim 23 with the cut surface of the stem thereof, with the aqueous nutrient medium.

40. The use of claim 39, characterized in that the one or more cut flowers from the genus Kalanchoe and the one or more cut flowers belonging to a genus different from Kalanchoe are incorporated in a bouquet.

41. A method for conferring prolonged longevity to one or more cut flowers belonging to a genus different from Kalanchoe, comprising the step of contacting the said one or more cut flowers together with one or more cut flowers belonging to the genus Kalanchoe as defined in claim 23 with the cut surface of the stem thereof, with an aqueous nutrient medium for the said cut flowers.

Description

[0033] The invention is now further illustrated by the following figures and examples, wherein FIGS. 1A-G show different bouquets comprising both Kalanchoe and cut flowers, including greenery, of other species.

[0034] FIG. 1A shows a bouquet containing Kalanchoe Adorable Pink Meadow, and the following greenery: Eucalyptus, Pistacia and palm leaves.

[0035] FIG. 1B shows a bouquet Kalanchoe Amazing Pink Meadow, and the following greenery: Eucalyptus, Pistacia and palm leaves.

[0036] FIG. 1C shows a bouquet containing Kalanchoe Amazing Pink Meadow, Phaelanopsis and decorative greenery.

[0037] FIG. 1D shows a bouquet containing Kalanchoe Adorable Pink Meadow, Cynara and decorative greenery.

[0038] FIG. 1E shows a bouquet containing Kalanchoe Amazing Pink Meadow, Rosa, Hyacinthus, Hypericon, Ranunculus and decorative greenery.

[0039] FIG. 1F shows a bouquet containing Kalanchoe Amazing Pink Meadow, Rosa, Hyacinthus, Gerbera, Ranunculus and decorative greenery.

[0040] FIG. 1G shows a bouquet containing Kalanchoe Amazing Pink Meadow, Rosa, Cymbidium and decorative greenery.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows Kalanchoe Spring Yellow Meadow 3 weeks after harvest in top view (A) and in side view (B).

[0042] FIG. 3 shows the condition of cut flower Kalanchoe in combination with Rosa (left), Rosa (2.sup.nd from left), Kalanchoe (3.sup.rd from left), and water without plant (right) after 7 days in keeping quality room in accordance with example 2 from the side (3A), the top (3B) and in detail (3C). In the detail, the sample of Rosa alone is on the left and the sample of Rosa in combination with Kalanchoe is on the right.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows the condition of cut flower Kalanchoe in combination with Dianthus (left), Dianthus (2.sup.nd from left), Kalanchoe (3.sup.rd from left), and water without plant (right) after 7 days in keeping quality room in accordance with example 2 from the side.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows the condition of cut flower Kalanchoe in combination with Chrysanthemum (left), Chrysanthemum (2.sup.nd from left), Kalanchoe (3.sup.rd from left), and water without plant (right) after 7 days in keeping quality room in accordance with example 2 from the side.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows the condition of cut flower Kalanchoe in combination with Gerbera (left), Gerbera (2.sup.nd from left), Kalanchoe (3.sup.rd from left), and water without plant (right) after 7 days in keeping quality room in accordance with example 2 from the side.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a bouquet containing Kalanchoe Adorable Pink Meadow, and the decorative greenery Pistacia, 3 weeks after harvesting of the cut flowers and decorative greenery, kept in tap water. FIG. 7A is a top view, whereas FIG. 7B shows the stems of same bouquet. FIG. 7C is a close up of the tap water after 3 weeks.

[0047] FIGS. 8A-C show bouquets containing Kalanchoe Amazing Pink Meadow kept for over 5 weeks in a quality room (Temperature: 19 C., Light: 8 h/day, Light intensity: 10 pmol/m.sup.2/s) in tap water (pH 6.8, EC 0.72 mS/cm) (left panel) or without water (right panel) after 1 (A), 2 (B), and 5 (C) weeks after harvest.

EXAMPLE 1

Origin of Exemplified Varieties Suitable for Incorporation in a Bouquet

[0048] As a first step in making Kalanchoe hybrids, a Kalanchoe plant selection is crossed with a Kalanchoe selection from the same or another species or interspecific hybrid. Crossings are made by transferring pollen from pollen donor () to pollen receiver (). After seed maturation and seed harvest, the seeds are germinated. After flower induction progeny are screened for e.g. plant height, branching habit, stem strength, flower size, flower color, petal number as well as ethylene sensitivity and flower longevity. Large numbers of progeny may have to be screened to identify hybrids that meet the trait requirements. The hybrid progeny plant with desirable phenotypic characteristics is propagated asexually by conventional methods to determine whether the phenotypic characteristics are stable.

Adorable Pink Meadow

[0049] Soft Pink double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0050] Genetic background: crossing between [0051] y 2004-0916 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid) [0052] 1998-469 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)

Adorable White Meadow

[0053] White double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0054] White mutation found in Adorable Pink Meadow with the genetic background: [0055] 2004-0916 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid) [0056] 1998-469 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)

Amazing Pink Meadow

[0057] Pink/soft orange double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0058] Genetic background: crossing between [0059] 1998-469 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid) [0060] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid)

Beautiful Red Meadow

[0061] Red double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatalossfeldianagracilipes) hybrid. [0062] Genetic background: crossing between [0063] 2008-7042 (Kalanchoe laciniatagracilipes hybrid) [0064] 2009-0517 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)

Blossom Pink Meadow

[0065] Soft Pink double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldianacrundallii) hybrid. [0066] Genetic background: crossing between [0067] 2006-0547 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid) [0068] 0306 Kalanchoe crundallii

Delicate White Meadow

[0069] White double type Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniataaromatica) hybrid. [0070] Genetic background: crossing between [0071] 2003-0638 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid) [0072] 0091 B Kalanchoe aromatica

Fancy White Meadow

[0073] White double type Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatacrenata) hybrid. [0074] Genetic background: crossing between [0075] 2003-0818 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid) [0076] 0091B Kalanchoe crenata

Fascinating Red Meadow

[0077] Red double type Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldianagracilipes) hybrid. [0078] Genetic background: crossing between [0079] 2008-7042 (Kalanchoe laciniatagracilipes hybrid) [0080] 2006-0645 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)

Juicy Pink Meadow

[0081] Pink double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0082] Genetic background: crossing between [0083] 2007-2024 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid) [0084] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid)

Lovable Pink Meadow

[0085] Pink double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0086] Genetic background: crossing between [0087] 1998-469 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid) [0088] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid)

Sophisticated Pink Meadow

[0089] Pink double type Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldianacampanulata) hybrid. [0090] Genetic background: crossing between [0091] 2003-0834 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid) [0092] 0098 Kalanchoe campanulata

Tender White Meadow

[0093] White double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0094] Genetic background: crossing between [0095] 2005-0292 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid) [0096] 2003-1685 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)

Warm Yellow Meadow

[0097] Yellow double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0098] Genetic background: crossing between [0099] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid) [0100] 2006-0473 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)

Warm Orange Meadow

[0101] Orange double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0102] Orange mutation found in Adorable Pink Meadow with the genetic background: [0103] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid) [0104] 2006-0473 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)
2009-0938 [0105] Greenish double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0106] Genetic background: crossing between [0107] 2006-0846 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid) [0108] 2008-3894 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)
2009-0261 [0109] White double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0110] Genetic background: crossing between [0111] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid) [0112] 2005-2519 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)
2012-0939 [0113] Yellow double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid. [0114] Genetic background: crossing between [0115] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid) [0116] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid)
2009-1274 [0117] Yellow double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid. [0118] Genetic background: crossing between [0119] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid) [0120] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid)
2012-6026 [0121] Orange double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0122] Genetic background: crossing between [0123] 2009-4162 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid) [0124] 2008-3870 (Kalanchoe laciniatablossfeldiana hybrid)
2011-0322 [0125] Orange double type (more than 35 petals) Kalanchoe interspecific (laciniatablossfeldiana) hybrid. [0126] Genetic background: crossing between [0127] 2006-0199 (Kalanchoe laciniata hybrid) [0128] 2008-1089 (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana hybrid)

EXAMPLE 2

Viability of Kalanchoe in Aqueous Nutrient Medium

[0129] Different Kalanchoe varieties were harvested by cutting their stems, wrapped in plastic, placed in transport card board boxes, and stored for 5 days in darkness at 18 C. to mimic transport. The plants were placed in keeping quality room (Temperature: 19 C., Light: 8 h/day, Light intensity: 10 pmol/m.sup.2/s), the cut stem of the cut flower being submerged in tap water. Evaluation of the cut flower plant height, fading, wilting, stem strength, and ornamental value took place 3 weeks after harvest. Just before the evaluation, the tested varieties were photographed from the top and the side, see FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively.

[0130] As shown in table 1, wherein data concerning plant height (cm), fading (1-5, 1=no fading), wilting (1-5, 1=no wilting), stem strength (1-5, 1=very strong), ornamental value (1-5, 1=highest ornamental value), were measured 3 weeks after excision of the flower stems at the basal part of the Kalanchoe plant. At harvest, the values were 1.

[0131] It can be seen that all varieties keep their qualities after being kept in tap water. The tap water remained clear during this period and even longer, see also FIG. 2B.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Quality of different Kalanchoe varieties after being kept for 3 weeks in tap water Stem Ornamental Variety Height Fading Wilting strength value 2010-7367 40 2 1 2 2 Warm Yellow 40 3 2 1 2 2011-0036 34 3 2 2 3 Spring Yellow 42 1 1 1 1 Meadow 2009-0377 43 2 2 2 2 2009-0938 32 1 1 1 1 2010-2541 35 2 1 1 2 2010-7027 45 2 3 1 3 2010-0209 36 2 2 2 2 2008-4048 37 2 2 1 2 MADONNAQ2 35 1 1 1 1 Amazing Pink 54 2 1 1 1 Meadow Dreaming Pink 42 1 2 1 1 Adorable Pink 43 1 1 1 1 Meadow Lovable Pink 41 1 1 2 1 Meadow 2009-0192 39 1 1 1 1 2009-1161 35 1 1 2 1 2008-6037 42 2 2 1 2 Vintage Pink 44 1 2 1 1 Meadow 2010-0792 44 1 2 1 1 2009-0701 36 1 3 1 2 2011-2200 39 1 1 1 1 2011-2187 43 1 1 1 1 2010-7099 46 1 1 2 1 2010-6038 35 2 1 3 2 2010-6013 35 1 1 3 2 2010-7018 42 1 3 1 3 2009-0219 36 1 1 1 1 2010-6031 35 2 1 2 2

EXAMPLE 3

Effect of Kalanchoe on Freshness of Nutrient Medium and Longevity of Other Cut FlowersSingle Flower Test

[0132] Cut flowers Rosa, Dianthus, Chrysanthemum and Gerbera, alone or together with a cut flower of Kalanchoe Amazing Pink Meadow were kept for 7 days in keeping quality room (Temperature: 19 C., Light: 8 h/day, Light intensity: 10 pmol/m.sup.2/s) in 28.5 ml tap water (pH 6.8, EC 0.72 mS/cm), 1 flower stem per cylinder glass for the test of individual species or together with a Kalanchoe flower stem. Water consumption was measured. Light transmission was measured in samples of 5 ml of the tap water of the flowers and compared to tap water stored in similar vial under same conditions for 7 days. This was done at 340nm using a Spectroquant SC118, Merck, (Method 242).

[0133] Seven days after start of the experiment the plants were evaluated for fading (1-5, 1=no fading), wilting (1-5, 1=no wilting), ornamental value (1-5, 1=highest ornamental value), and water consumption (ml), see table 2. At the start of the experiment, the values for fading, wilting and ornamental value were set to 1. On the fading evaluation, there was a slight positive effect of combining Rosa with Kalanchoe (1.3 vs. 2). The same is true for Dianthus (1.4 vs. 1.5). In Chrysanthemum and Gerbera no effect was found after 7 days.

[0134] In Rosa there was a positive effect of combining Rosa with Kalanchoe on the wilting evaluation (2 vs. 4).

[0135] The ornamental value of all species tested was improved by combining Rosa with Kalanchoe (2 vs. 4) and Dianthus with Kalanchoe (1.3 vs. 1.7) and Chrysanthemum with Kalanchoe (1.5 vs. 2.2) and Gerbera with Kalanchoe (1.1 vs. 1.5).

[0136] Water consumption was calculated by subtracting the amount of water 7 days after start of the experiment from the initial amount of water at the start of the experiment. Of the 5 species tested, Kalanchoe had the significantly lowest water consumption. For Kalanchoe combined with Rosa the uptake of water (16.6 ml) was higher that when adding the individual uptake from Kalanchoe (3.4 ml) with the individual uptake from Rosa (11.6 ml). An obvious explanation is that the individual Rosa started wilting relative early compared to the Rosa combined with Kalanchoe. The same pattern is seen in Gerbera. For Kalanchoe combined with Gerbera the uptake of water (11.9 ml) was higher that when adding the individual uptake from Kalanchoe (3.4 ml) with the individual uptake from Gerbera (6.3 ml).

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Effect of Kalanchoe on longevity and medium freshness Water Ornamental consumption Transmission Fading Wilting value average s.e. average s.e. * * * (n = 4) (n = 4) (n = 4) (n = 4) Kalanchoe Amazing 1.3 1 1.1 3.4 0.0 98.1 2.8 Pink Meadow Roses 2 4 4 11.6 0.6 58.7 3.4 Kalanchoe and Roses* 1.3 1.3 1 2 1.1 2 16.6 0.2 93.4 1.3 Dianthus 1.5 1 1.7 6.3 0.1 86.9 4.1 Kalanchoe and 1.3 1.4 1 1 1.1 1.3 9.2 0.1 95.8 0.6 Dianthus* Chrysanthemum 1.2 1 2.2 15.0 0.1 15.7 3.8 Kalanchoe and 1.3 1.2 1 1 1.1 1.5 18.5 0.1 35.8 8.8 Chrysanthemum* Gerbera 1 1 1.5 6.3 0.1 64.9 0.3 Kalanchoe and Gerbera* 1.3 1 1 1 1.1 1.1 11.9 0.1 72.0 1.9 Water 1.4 0.0 97.8 0.9 Water (start) 0 0 100 0

[0137] In Gerbera we experience higher water uptake in combination with Kalanchoe, although no wilting after 7 days (as for Rosa), but we can see that light transmission was higher through water from Kalanchoe combined with Gerbera, than from individual Gerbera. We see clear effects of increased light transmission through the water for all four species when combined with Kalanchoe, supporting the idea that cut flowers of the genus Kalanchoe comprise one or more substances that are excreted in the aqueous nutrient medium, or that substances excreted from plants of other species are taken up by Kalanchoe or that the excreted substances for the other species are eliminated or degraded by substances excreted from Kalanchoe. As a result of these plants of species other than Kalanchoe obtain the ability to live longer and to wither far later than compared to the situation without a cut flower of the genus Kalanchoe being, or having been in contact with the aqueous nutrient medium wherein the said cut flower is held. See also FIGS. 3-6. Similar results were obtained when any of the Kalanchoe varieties as mentioned in example 1 were used instead of the Kalanchoe variety Amazing Pink Meadow as described here.

EXAMPLE 4

Effect of Kalanchoe on Freshness of Nutrient Medium and Longevity of Other Cut FlowersBouquet Test

[0138] A bouquet containing the Kalanchoe interspecific hybrid Adorable Pink Meadow, and the decorative greenery Pistacia was kept in a quality room (Temperature: 19 C., Light: 8 h/day, Light intensity: 10 pmol/m.sup.2/s) in tap water (pH 6.8, EC 0.72 mS/cm) for 3 weeks after harvesting of the cut flowers and decorative greenery. Both the cut flowers and decorative greenery remained fresh, as well as the basal parts of both. See FIGS. 7A and 7B, respectively. The tap water remained fresh during this period, see FIG. 7C. The amount of water was reduced by 75% over the 3 weeks indicating significant uptake of water and compounds emitted from the Kalanchoe cut flowers. The transmission through the water that has surrounded the basal parts of the cut flowers and decorative greenery was measured. We found the transmission to be reduced to 91.7% of the initial 100% measured in tap water. The very high transmission rate and the lack of any odors from the water indicate that there are no significant microbial activity in the water. Similar results were obtained for other Kalanchoe containing bouquets, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-G.

EXAMPLE 5

Kalanchoe Live Longer in Tap Water than Without

[0139] A bouquet containing Kalanchoe Amazing Pink Meadow was kept for over 5 weeks in a quality room (Temperature: 19 C., Light: 8 h/day, Light intensity: 10 pmol/m.sup.2/s) in tap water (pH 6.8, EC 0.72 mS/cm) or without. After 1, 3 and 5 weeks, the flowers were evaluated and it was shown that the flowers that were kept in tap water kept more fresh than those without water. See FIGS. 8A-C, respectively.