Poststorage quality and rooting ability ofEpipremnum pinnatumcuttings after treatment with ethylene action inhibitors

SummaryThe influence of the ethylene action inhibitors STS and 1-MCP on poststorage performance and subsequent rooting of cuttings was investigated in Epipremnum pinnatum. Unfavourable storage conditions resulted in decreasing poststorage quality of single-eye cuttings, expressed as leaf drop and yellowing. 1-MCP and STS prohibited leaf drop and yellowing in E. pinnatum. STS pretreatment decreased rooting ability significantly, measured as percentage of rooted cuttings, number of roots, total root length and dry weight. STS caused severe injuries to the cuttings, which were worse if the cuttings were stored rather than propagated immediately. There was no significant difference in rooting between 1-MCP treated cuttings and untreated control in either stored or unstored cuttings. The influence of ethylene action inhibitors on rooting and a possible use of 1-MCP for practical use to increase poststorage performance in cuttings are discussed.