A measurement of longevity and preference test of cut Alstroemeria new cultivar

Alstroemeria is a popular cut flower in Europe and Japan, as well as South Korea recently. Cultivation area has been steadily increased despite of hot summer in S. Korea because it is energy saving crop during the winter. Summer durable cultivar is warranted because hot summer seriously deters the production. The demeand of domestic breeding has been suggested because initial price of stock plant is too high for S. Korean growers. Therefore, our research team has initiated since 2007 aiming summer tolerant cultivar and lowering the royalty for domestic growers. In this study, vase life was measured and preference test was performed for the breeding lines in order to facilitate the selection process. The breeding lines were D13, D42, C266 and C176, which were applied for variety registration. Cut flowers were treated in tab water with and without conservation solution, and vase life was measured. White flowers seem to have better vase life than other colors. Preference test was performed with six commercial cultivars and four breeding lines. D13 breeding line showed high preference and C176 line was most preferable in while color flower.