In general, a process will be two to four times faster if the temperature is increased 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, a process will be two to four times slower if the temperature is decreased 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, consider data in the following tables. Thus, a carnation held at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, instead of its proper storage temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, will deteriorate at least three times faster. Most plants contain about 80 to 95 percent water.
Water is the medium through which every biological reaction takes place.
It also regulates temperature and promotes nutrient uptake through the roots. Transpiration is the loss of water vapor by plants. Plants would die because of temperature extremes if water were not lost in this cooling process. Also, if water were not lost from flowers, solution could not be pulled up through the stems. Transpiration is needed for proper post-harvest performance, but it must be controlled to prevent wilting.