Changes in physio-biochemical status of cut of rose (Rosa Hybrida L. cv. Samurai) flowers under methyl Jasmonate, brassinosteroid, and fungal elicitor to control gray mold

Abstract

The control of disease and improvement of flower quality are mainly influenced by natural and chemical compounds. Elicitors are pathogen signal metabolites, while methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant growth regulators, which significantly activate defense mechanisms in plants and maintain the quality of cut flowers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of BR (1and 2 µM), MeJA (0.1 and 0.2 Mm), and fungal elicitor (FE, 600, 800, and 1000 mg l−1) as pulsing method, alone and in combination with spraying of Botrytis cinerea (BC). the physiological traits and inhibition effect on fungal growth on cut rose flowers. The results showed that 1000 and 800 mg l−1 of FE were the most effective treatments to improve the carbohydrate content, relative water content (RWC), antioxidant activities, and vase life of rose flowers. In addition to these treatments, 0.1 and 0.2 mM MeJA and 1 µM BR significantly improved the quality of cut rose flowers. The best inhibitors of gray mold disease were all levels of FE followed by 0.2 mM MeJA and 1 µM BR. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities continuously increased over time. Heat map (HM) analysis showed catalase and vase life were the most effective traits in determining changes of the physiological status of cut rose flowers. The study suggests the use of elicitors particularly 1000 mg l−1 FE to obtain flowers with a long vase life.