What does new research reveal about removing entire thorns?

What does new research reveal about removing entire thorns?

• A. Remove all thorns for best durability.
• B. Remove none of the thorns.
• C. Leave thorns on; if necessary remove only the tip.
• D. Thorns have no effect on vase life.

Answer: (C)

Thorns on stems can act as a natural protective barrier that helps maintain the stem’s integrity. New research shows that removing an entire thorn can create additional cuts and wounds, which may become entry points for pathogens and can disrupt water uptake or overall durability. By leaving the thorns in place and trimming only the tip when necessary, you reduce handling risk while preserving the stem’s natural defenses. This approach typically offers better durability and vase life than removing all thorns. The other options either overstate the benefit of removing all thorns, ignore the protective role of thorns, or claim no effect on vase life, which the research evidence contradicts.

Thorns on stems can act as a natural protective barrier that helps maintain the stem’s integrity. New research shows that removing an entire thorn can create additional cuts and wounds, which may become entry points for pathogens and can disrupt water uptake or overall durability. By leaving the thorns in place and trimming only the tip when necessary, you reduce handling risk while preserving the stem’s natural defenses. This approach typically offers better durability and vase life than removing all thorns. The other options either overstate the benefit of removing all thorns, ignore the protective role of thorns, or claim no effect on vase life, which the research evidence contradicts.