Abstract
Permeability changes in membranes of Protea neriifloia leaves
during senescence were investigated. A complete preservative
consisting of a-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (8-HQS), silver nitrate
(AgN03), citric acid and sucrose was formulated by using
different concentrations of the components. The % browning of the
leaves, change in mass of the inflorescence and their water
uptake over a period of 20 days was used as a measurement to
determine the most effective concentrations. The results lead to
the formulating of an effective preservative which can be used
commercially. The preservative consists of 100 mg 8-HQS, 5 mg
AgNo3, 100 mg citric acid. and 10 g sucrose, made up to 1
litre with distilled water. Scanning electron microscopy was used
to investigate the effects of a complete preservative on protea
leaves.
The respiratory rate and water content of leaves from
inflorescence in preservative and distilled water was determined
and compared. The respiratory rate of leaves of inflorescence in
preservative was considerably higher than that of the control.
The preservative also resulted in the leaves having a better
retention of their water...