Abstract
Early leaf yellowing in cut alstroemeria ( Alstroemeria aurantiaca ) flowers before flower development and petal abscission is an important limiting postharvest quality and vase life factors. Early leaf senescence reduces postharvest longevity of cut flowers and promotes petal's wilting. A study was made to evaluate the response of cut alstroemeria flowers at varying concentrations of cycloheximide (CHI) (50, 100 and 200 mg l -1 ), coconut water (5, 10 and 20%) and 6-benzyladenine (BA) (50, 100 and 200 mg l -1 ). CHI, coconut water and BA extended the vase life at all concentrations compared to the control, but coconut water at 5% concentration (with 17.39 days) was the most effective treatment. Control cut flowers showed the least vase life (10.76 days). Ethylene production in cut flowers promoted flower senescence. All concentrations of CHI, coconut water and BA delayed ethylene production compared to the control. Treatment of cut flowers with coconut water at concentration of 5% maintained the highest fresh weight of flowers and increased the content of water uptake. The chlorophyll degradation was significantly reduced by the application of CHI, coconut water and BA. The maximum content of membrane's lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity (super oxide dismutase and peroxidase) was obtained in control cut flowers. Thus, 5% fresh coconut water has the potential to be applied as vase solution (preservative medium) due to prolongs of cut alstroemeria flowers.
Highlights
Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria aurantiaca), commonly called the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas or Parrot Lily is a South American genus of about 60 species of flowering plants, mainly from the cool, mountainous regions in the Andes
The medium vase life of cut flowers treated with various concentrations of CHI, coconut water and BA was about 15 days
Treatment of cut flowers with 5% coconut water resulted in the longest vase life (17.39 days) (Table 2)
Summary
Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria aurantiaca), commonly called the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas or Parrot Lily is a South American genus of about 60 species of flowering plants, mainly from the cool, mountainous regions in the Andes. Alstroemeria from Alstroemeriaceae family is widely used as a cut flower. Alstroemeria is one of the most beautiful genus of this family. This species is sensitive to ethylene and has relatively short postharvest life. Ethylene has an important role in senescence, rolling, wilting and abscission of the petals (KIM, 2005). Many chemical and biological constitutes are used for extending the vase life of cut flowers. Use of preserving substances in vase solution is a widely used method for increasing the vase life
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