They showed that there are at least four or five genes that affect how long the flowers lasted after they were cut. The UW-Madison scientists are showing that one trait that affects the life span of cut flowers is the abundance of small openings in snapdragon leaves. The openings, called stomates, allow plants to take up the carbon they need to grow as carbon dioxide from the air. But the leaves also lose water through the stomates. Now William J. Martin, also a graduate student researcher with Stimart, has demonstrated a relationship between the density of the stomates and how long snapdragons last after cutting.
Fewer openings are better.
However, the abundance of stomates is only part of the story, according to Martin. He and Stimart are continuing to look for other traits that explain why some flowers last so much longer after they are cut than others. Martin believes that research will lead to snapdragon varieties that keep longer after cutting. Stimart believes the results with snapdragons show the potential to improve many flower species. Flower breeders should go beyond selecting just for flower and plant color and shape.