The following link is to a publication by Heyes and Johnston concerning the use of MCP for extending the vase life of cymbidums. The study relates specifically to the loss of pollen caps. It should be noted that not all varieties deteriorate more quickly when their pollen caps are removed and some exporters say that they do not receive complaints from customers about reduced vase life arising from missing pollen caps. In this context however it should be borne in mind that cymbidium orchids with missing pollen caps may have a longer vase life than many other types of cut flowers.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0VFCtzL2xZOa1JIME13MXhxYzA
An alternative link is:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01140671.1998.9514070
MCP is available in sachet form for the in-box treatment of flowers. The following link is to a technical sheet on this topic:
Ethyl Block technical sheet
The following link is to a technical paper on 1-MCP. It covers a range of potted plants and makes reference to the Heyes and Johnston paper on the treatment of cut cymbidiums. It alludes to the need for repeated treatments with MCP and the importance of chilling in combination with the 1-MCP for minimising the effects of ethylene.
http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/datastore/234-882.pdf
The following related link on cooling of cut flowers contains a Fact Sheet produced by Horticulture and Food Research Institute NZ in 1998. The recommended storage temperature for hybrid cymbidiums is 10 to 13 degrees celcius.
http://www.hortnet.co.nz/publications/hortfacts/hf305004.htm
Refer also to this link for the in-box treatment of flowers with chlorine dioxide for the treatment and control of botrytis.
http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=333&Itemid=7&ed=38
