Effect of Pre- and Post-transport Preservative Treatments to Extend Vase Life on Scent Emission of Tulip Cut Flowers

Abstract

Tulipa gesneriana L. ‘Sanne’, a tulip cut flower cultivar, has a fruity scent derived from monoterpenes based on linalool. Treatment with a commercial preservative containing plant growth regulators, such as ethephon, before transportation or with a preservative containing glucose after transportation extends the vase life of various tulip cut flowers. However, the effects of preservatives on floral scents are unknown. In this study, pre-transport ethephon treatment did not affect the scent emission and increased the vase life of Sanne. However, post-transport glucose treatment increased terpenoid emissions and caused stalk softening. The combination of pre- and post-transport treatments increased terpenoid emissions but did not cause stalk softening. Comparative analysis with previous sensory evaluation of the Sanne scent revealed that the duration of the noticeable scent under the combination treatment was estimated to be twice than that under the control treatment. In Sanne, the vase life and scents are expected to be improved by the pre- and post-transport treatment combination.