Bud drop sensitive during transport

Strong, long-flowering, low maintenance. The Phalaenopsis is loved for these characteristics. But like other plants, it is sensitive to ethylene, a natural hormone that induces bud drop under stress situations. This reaction is a survival mechanism by which the plant distributes its energy more efficiently. 

Transport is a typical situation where plants are challenged. Especially varieties that are not stress-resistant. Add to this the fact that they are often transported at the most sensitive moment, i.e. with one or two buds open. When stress-sensitive varieties arrive at the shop point after days in darkness, they lose buds and are thus less attractive. Something you, as a grower, would obviously rather avoid.

Ethylene blockers on tap

To prevent bud drop, ethylene blockers are still often administered in practice. In the light of a sustainable growing process, this is not our way of preventing bud drop. Moreover, ethylene blockers could soon be restricted. In the Netherlands, this is already the case from spring 2024. 

Strict selection criteria

How do we prevent bud traps? By conducting strict checks and tests on every pre-production variety for years. Meanwhile, Microflor has a range of Phalaenopsis that no longer require an ethylene blocker, even when delivered raw and in long transport. 

To test bud drop sensitivity, we simulate the stressful conditions of a transport. At the most sensitive moment, i.e. at one bud in bloom, we put the plants in a dark room for seven days, without water and with a temperature of 17-18 °C. Then they obtain in normal conditions. After some time, we check the result. If they have suffered damage, it will be noticeable at that time. Measuring bud fall sensitivity is done via a detailed calculation that indicates whether the variety is satisfactory or not. If a variety scores just insufficient, we look at whether it is a step ahead of similar varieties.
We repeat these tests several times. If the plant is naturally stress-resistant enough, we include the variety in our range. 
 

Flexible delivery

What does that mean for you as a grower? It does not matter in which flowering stage you deliver the plants. You no longer have to wait until the buds are 50% in bloom and sensitivity drops. Even in their most vulnerable period, the plants can be transported.

Curious about the varieties in our range that pass this stringent bud drop test with flying colours? Contact our Sales Team so we can provide an overview tailored to your assortment strategy. 

Ten-week shelf life as target

Once transported, the Phalaenopsis is intended to shine for a long time at retail and with customers. On average, it entices customers with the promise of ten weeks of flowering. For us, too, the bar is set there. Although our testing criteria are stricter than traditional tests. Our yardstick? We count from the first bud in bloom to that of a first flower wilting. In traditional tests, 50% efflorescence is the yardstick. A less strict criterion, then. 

Ten weeks of flowering is the target, but some of our varieties do even better. Some recent newcomers to our range with more than 15 weeks of flowering time are:

• PH03285 Lovely Liv
• PH03487 Purplelicious
• PH03904 Popping Party
• PH04031 Marzena
• PH04162 Lovable Luz
• PH04323 (name still unknown) 

Bud drop sensitivity and shelf life as criteria

Bud drop sensitivity and shelf life are necessary conditions for delivery.  The plant may score high on productivity, growth, the desired colour and so on, but if it rejects buds in repeated tests and does not reach our target of ten weeks of flowering, we will not include this variety in our assortment.

Need help putting together your assortment? Let Microflor advise you. We know perfectly which varieties are insensitive to ethylene and which varieties retain their grace for a long time. Ask your account manager.