FFA Floriculture Practice Test

Clogged stems in cut flowers are caused by an air embolism, which is defined as what?

1. A blockage in the stem

2. A bubble of air entering the xylem

3. A lack of water uptake

4. A fungal infection

The correct answer is: A bubble of air entering the xylem

An air embolism in cut flowers occurs when a bubble of air enters the xylem, the tissue responsible for water transport within the plant. This blockage disrupts the flow of water and nutrients from the stem to the flower, leading to wilting and reduced longevity of the cut flower. Understanding this process is essential for proper care and handling of cut flowers, as maintaining the integrity of the xylem is crucial for their health and appearance. While the other options mention relevant aspects of plant health, they do not specifically define an air embolism. A blockage in the stem can result from various factors, but it does not capture the essence of an air embolism, which specifically refers to the introduction of air bubbles. A lack of water uptake is a consequence of an embolism rather than a definition, and a fungal infection may damage tissue but does not represent the phenomenon of air entering the xylem. Hence, the focus on the bubble of air entering the xylem accurately captures the definition and impact of air embolisms in cut flowers.