Effect of Ascorbic Acid, 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate and Sucrose on the Longevity and Anthocyanin Content of Cut Gerbera Flowers

Abstract

The effects of ascorbic acid (AsA), 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8-HQS) and sucrose (Suc) on cut gerbera was studied. AsA (0, 100 and 150 mg L-1), 8-HQS (0 and 200 mg L-1) and Suc (0 and 30 g L-1) and their combinations were tested as preservative mixtures. Vase life was determined as the days until the flowers started to wilt and then dry weight and anthocyanin content were measured. The following records were analyzed at the 7th day of experiment: mean uptake of preservative solution, dry weight, flower diameter and quality score of cut flowers. The only measure improved by ascorbic acid was the flower diameter. The 8-HQS treatment increased vase life, dry weight, anthocyanin content, fresh weight, flower diameter and mean uptake of preservative solution. Sucrose decreased vase life, anthocyanin content and increased dry weight and flower diameter and mean uptake of preservative solution. The treatment containing the combination of 100 mg L-1 AsA + 200 mg L-1 8-HQS + 30 g L-1 sucrose resulted in the highest vase life but this was not significantly different from the controls. The highest anthocyanin content was noted in the 150 mg L-1 AsA treatment. The combination of 100 mg L-1 AsA + 200 mg L-1 8-HQS + 30 g L-1 Suc resulted the highest flower diameter. We conclude that AsA could improve the anthocyanin content and flower diameter of flowers and its addition to preservative mixtures based on 8-HQS could improve its effect to a limited extent.