Effects of postharvest pretreatments and preservative solutions on vase life longevity and flower quality of sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.)

Abstract

The effects of postharvest pretreatments on vase life, keeping quality and carbohydrate concentrations in cut sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.) flowers were investigated. Compared to the control, all treatments promoted floret quality and extended longevity. The cut flowers held in the solution containing sucrose + 8-hydroxyquinoline (Suc+HQS) was more effective in promoting absorption rate, achieved greater maximum fresh mass, had better water balance for a longer period, extended the vase life (up to 17 d), and delayed degradation of chlorophylls. The same treatment also enhanced the concentration of soluble carbohydrates in the petals and stems and leaf chlorophyll (Chl) content, whereas it was lowest in silver thiosulphate (STS) treatment. However, concentrations of anthocyanin in the petals were higher for treatment with sucrose or STS plus sucrose than in control or STS alone treatments. Our results suggest that pulse treatment with HQS plus sucrose for 12 h is the most effective for improving pigmentation and use as a commercial cut flower preservative solution to delay flower senescence, enhance quality, and prolong the vase life of sweet pea. The results also showed that soluble carbohydrate concentration in petals and stems is an important factor in determining the vase life of sweet pea flowers.

Postharvest performance of cut marigold, rose, and sunflower stems as influenced by homemade and commercial floral preservatives

“…These results depict the necessity of continuous provision of carbohydrates in the vase solutions for continuing metabolic processes for some flower species. Kuiper et al, (1995), Elhindi (2012), and Locke (2010) also reported the significance of carbohydrates for extending postharvest longevity of cut flowers. In addition, the continuous provision of citric acid and sugar plus Greenshield or Kathon or commercial preservatives enhanced water uptake and either reduced fresh weight loss or increased fresh weight gain during the vase period.…”

“…Citric acid and sugar combined with Greenshield were optimum when applied to roses and continuously to sunflowers. Jones and Hill (1993), Kuiper et al (1995), Elhindi (2012), and Locke (2010) also reported the significance of carbohydrates and germicides for extending postharvest longevity of cut flowers. More specifically, aluminum sulfate has been reported as effective for vase life extension of several cut species, such as lisianthus (Liao et al, 2001) and roses (Ichimura et al, 2006).…”

The Effects of Some Hypericum Extracts on the Vase Life of Gerbera

“…Ancak etilene duyarlı olmayan kesme çiçeklerde dayanım sürelerinin azalmasının temel nedeni vazo solüsyonunda gelişen mikroorganizmaların ya doğrudan işgal ederek ya da salgıladıkları toksik maddelerle dolaylı olarak iletim demetlerinin tıkanmasına yol açmalarıdır (Mengüç ve ark., 1991). İletim demetlerinin tıkanması sonucunda su alımı büyük ölçüde azalmakta, transpirasyon ile kaybedilen su miktarı karşılanamadığı için bitkideki su dengesi bozulmakta ve su stresi yaşanmaktadır (Elhindi, 2012). Bu durum çiçek sapının bükülmesi, petallerin solması ve vazo ömrünün sonlanması ile sonuçlanmaktadır (Tuna, 2012).…”

Flower opening and vase life of gladiolus cultivars: the sensitivity to ethylene and the carbohydrate content

“…At flower opening, a large amount of reducing sugars is necessary as substrate for respiration. Besides, flower opening is the result of from petal growth, associated with cell expansion, which requires water uptake and osmotic agents such as soluble carbohydrates (WAITHAKA et al, 2001;YAMADA et al, 2003;ELHINDI et al, 2012).…”