Growers are increasingly required to take their part of the responsibility for the optimising (if not the guarantee) of the length of vase-life of flowers in the distribution chain. Growers who take care about the quality of water used to irrigate their crops can often overlook the quality used for the flowers immediately after harvest. Flowers respond best and last longer when placed in water of a low pH of 4-5. Water uptake is improved and the effectiveness of biocides is also improved (this better controls bacterial populations that block the stems from taking up water). Commercially available solutions are recommended since small swings in the pH can cause damage such as stem discoloration in the case of Gerbera and Chrysanthemum when the pH is too low. "FloraCulture International" www.pokonchrysal.com