Identification and localization of vascular blockage in cut roses: A SEM study

A scanning electron microscopic study was undertaken to identify and localize the vascular blockage in cut rose stems during the course of senescence. At harvest stage, there was no blockage or occlusions in the vascular system of freshty cut surface of the rose cultrvars. However, as early as within three days, presence of occlusions/blocking materials was observed in the cultivars Raktagandha and Sonia Meilland except Queen-Elizabeth with clear vascular system. At senescence, in Queen Elizabeth amorphous substances with partial degradation of cell wall, while complete deformation and disorganization of vessel structure in ‘Sonia Meilland’ and breakdown cum deformed vessel tissues in ‘Raktagandha’ were seen through scanning electron microscope.