Sucrose, salicylic acid and citric acid solutions to extent vase life of Vriesea incurvata Gaudich. (Bromeliaceae) floral scapes

Abstract

Vriesea incurvata is a native bromeliad from Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest and commercialized as an ornamental pot plant. The morphological characteristics of its floral scape may also indicate it as a new product to use as a cut flower. However, its postharvest behavior was unknown. This study was conducted to determine its vase life by applying distilled water (control) and solutions containing sucrose (50 g L-1), salicylic acid (50 μM), and citric acid (50 g L-1) for periods of 8 and 24 h. Floral scapes maintained in solutions showed vase life greater than 16 days when compared to the control (distilled water). However, solutions with sucrose evidenced the best behaviors related to the maintenance of physiological and aesthetic features during the vase life of the floral scapes. It is concluded that solutions with sucrose, salicylic acid, and citric acid applied for 8 and 24 h extend the vase life of the V. incurvata floral scapes. Sucrose applied for 8 h promotes the maintenance of color, brightness, and turgidity; improves water balance, and reduces the relative fresh weight losses of floral scapes throughout the vase life, extending their longevity up to 24 days.

Effect of Pre and Postharvest Factors on Vase life of Gladiolus or Effect of Different Floral Preservatives on Vase Life of Gladiolus

“…In case of Vriesea incurvata Gaudich, (Bromeliaceae), the application of sucrose for 8 hours has been shown to enhance the preservation of color, brightness, and turgidity in floral scapes. It aids in maintaining water balance, reducing the loss of fresh weight, and extending the vase life of flowers by up to 24 days [7]. Sucrose preserved a noticeably better water balance in spikes when combined with cobalt chloride and silver nitrate, which extended the vase life.…”

“…To prolong the vase life of cut flowers by mitigating the above effects, preservative solutions are employed postharvest. These solutions enhance assimilate distribution, regulate water uptake, shield floral stems from microbial damage and minimize the influence of ethylene, thereby delaying the onset of floral senescence [7]. Carbohydrates and soluble sugars help to maintain quality of petals for longer time.…”

Plant growth regulators’ role in senescence and quality of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum ‘Mariachi Blue’) cut flowers: Comparison Salicylic acid (SA), Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and Spermidine (Sp)

“…A study was conducted to determine the vase life of Vriesea incurvata using distilled water (control) and a solution containing salicylic acid (50 µM) for 8 and 24 hours. Flower scapes kept in the solutions showed longer vase life by 16 days compared to the control (Pulido et al 2021). In investigating the role of salicylic acid (SA) in regulating antioxidant enzymes and some biochemical characters in petals and stem bending of Gerbera jamesonii 'Sun Spot', cut owers were treated with different concentrations (50, 100 and 200 µM) of SA for 24 hours.…”