Effect of Some Post-Harvest Pre-Treatments on Vase Life and Some Quality Parameters of Cut Rose Flowers

Abstract

Cut flowers are at risk of spoilage during transportation from the producer to the consumer after harvest. In cut flowers, both pre-harvest conditions and conditions during and after transportation significantly affect the post-harvest life, flower quality, and the aesthetic appearance of flowers. This study aimed to determine the effects of some pre-treatments on the post-harvest durability of cut rose (Rosa hybrida L.) flowers on vase life and some quality parameters. Seven different postharvest pretreatments [8-hydroxyquinoline 8-hydroxyquinoline+citric acid, 8-hydroxyquinoline+salicylic acid, 8-hydroxyquinoline+aluminum sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline+glycolic acid, 8-hydroxyquinoline+succinic acid, silver thiosulfate and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)] were used in the study, and the results were compared with the control (distilled water). The harvested flowers were kept in pre-treatment solutions for 6 hours at room temperature and then in cold storage (2-4?) for 12 hours. After pre-treatment, the flowers were placed in glass vases containing 750 ml of distilled water each. The vase life, daily and total water uptake, relative fresh weight and full opening time of the flowers were measured in the experiment. In addition, a visual quality assessment of flowers was performed on the 8th day of the vase’s life. The longest vase life among the treatments was obtained from silver thiosulfate treatment at 19.78 days, followed by control (distilled water) at 14.22 days and sodium hypochlorite at 13.33 days. The vase life of flowers in other treatments varied from 9.11 to 10.11 days. In conclusion, the silver thiosulfate (2 ml.L?¹) pretreatment was found to extend the vase life of flowers and positively affect other quality parameters.