Abstract
M.Sc. (Botany)
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the
effects of various physical treatments (limitation of
transpiring surface, removal of stem base and changing of
vase water and different numbers of inflorescence per
constant volume of vase water) on the browning of foliage
and the rate of water absorption by Protea neriifolia in
florescences. The binding capacity of lead acetate with
flavonoids in vase media was also determined.
The limitation of the number of leaves (transpiring surface)
per peduncle resulted in less absorption of leached browning
and stem plugging components. Regular removal of the stem
base and changing of vase water inhibit stern blockage and
accumulation of leached products in the vase medium. A
large number of inflorescences in a limited volume of vase
medium resulted in higher concentrations of leached flavonoids and other browning components. A reduced number of
leaves per peduncle, regular removal of stern base and changing of vase water, as well as a limited number of inflorescences per constant volume of vase medium, ensured
adequate continuous water uptake, which is essential to
limit browning.