New York State Flower Industries , Inc
Cut flowers and potted plants are comprised of 80-85% water. To appear fresh and crisp, this percentage of moisture must be maintained within the plant tissue. Some fruit and vegetable crops may have a water content as high as 90-96%. The problem of water loss is crucial if long vase life of cut flowers and potted plants is to be achieved. It has been said. 'Life in the cut flower hangs on a slender "thread" of water, since a moisture loss of 10% of the original weight of the cut flower means the flower is "dead" for all practical purposes.' Loss of water: All living plants give off water vapor from their internal tissues. This process is called transpiration and occurs mostly through the leaves. Since transpiration takes place from living tissues, it is influenced by the structure and physiology of the plant. Important external factors influencing transpiration are sunlight, temperature, humidity and air movement. Most of the transpiration occurs through the stomata. When the stomata are open, water is lost through them. If the loss of water by transpiration exceeds the rate of water absorption, wilting results.
Keywords: disease Stomata transpiration Moisture Desiccation