Effects of Short-Term Heat and Shade Treatments on Petal Colour of ‘Baccara’ Roses

Growth and pigmentation of ‘Baccara’ rose buds were followed. Petal elongation mainly occurred during a short period of time after the flowering shoot had stopped elongating. Approximately 90% of the flower pigments were synthesized during a short period lasting from the time the bud was 75% to the time it was 100% of its diameter at opening time. Petal growth continued after this period so that the pigments in the petal were “diluted”. Heat stress applied to whole plants or to flower buds only, or a short duration of low light intensities caused “blueing” of the petals when these conditions prevailed during the period of maximum pigmentation. Stress conditions prior to this period or following it, had no effect. We suggest that stress conditions such as high temperature or low light intensities reduce the availability of sugars. When this occurs at the time of maximum pigment production, a fall in the level of pigment occurs, which results in the “blueing” of the petals.