1-MCP improves the postharvest quality of cut spray carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) ‘Optima’ flowers

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to study the role of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on vase life and other postharvest qualities of cut spray carnation flowers. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized factorial design composed of two factors: 1-MCP concentration at four levels (0, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g·m−3) and a period of treatment at 2 levels (3 and 6 hours) with four replications. According to the analysis of variance, time duration, 1-MCP concentration and their interaction had significant effects on the vase life, ethylene production, anthocyanin concentration, and weight loss of cut flowers (P ≥ 0.01). The treatment for 6 hours was better than 3 hours in all concentrations of 1-MCP. The longest vase life (16.25 days) was obtained when 0.6 g·m−3 1-MCP was used for 6 hours. Ethylene production by freshly cut flowers in the treatment of 0.6 g·m−3 1-MCP for 6 hours was negligible as compared with the control. Applying 1-MCP at any dose significantly minimized the % weight loss as compared to the control on days 5 and 8. Interaction between 1-MCP concentrations and a period of treatment on chlorophyll content was not significant.