Abstract
The experiment determined the effect of gibberellic acid applied prior to harvest on the contents of plant pigments in cut leaves of wild ginger (<em>Asarum europaeum </em>L.), cultivated in an unheated plastic tunnel and in the field. Foliar application of GA<sub>3</sub> at a concentration of 100, 200, 400, 600 mg x dm<sup>-3</sup> was repeated four times every two weeks. It has been proven that pre-harvest spraying of plants with gibberellic acid at a concentration of 100 mg x dm<sup>-3</sup> has a positive effect on the content of photosynthetically active pigments in the leaves of <em>A. europaeum </em>cultivated in an unheated plastic tunnel. Application of GA<sub>3</sub> at a concentration of 600 mg x dm<sup>-3</sup> led to the accumulation of the greatest amount of anthocyanins in the leaves of <em>Asarum europaeum </em>cultivated both in the unheated plastic tunnel and in the field. The response of plants to GA<sub>3</sub> application, expressed in the amount of flavonoids, depended on conditions related to the cultivation site. Pre-harvest treatment of <em>A. europaeum </em>plants with gibberellic acid at concentrations of 100-600 mg x dm<sup>-3</sup> reduced the production of flavonoids in tunnel-grown wild ginger, but enhanced their accumulation in plants cultivated in the field. Pre-harvest application of gibberellic acid did not affect the fresh weight or dry mass content in plant material.
Highlights
An increased need for florist greenery has been noted
The analysis of postharvest longevity of cut A. europaeum leaves showed a positive effect of tunnel cultivation on the measured value (Table 1)
Cultivation of A. europaeum in an unheated tunnel beneficially influenced postharvest quality of leaves, which is proved by their high longevity and the sum of chlorophylls a and b as well as the higher content of anthocyanins and flavonoids
Summary
An increased need for florist greenery has been noted. In the search for new species of plants that can be used as a source of greens for bouquets, more and more attention is devoted to perennial plants which are typically used in garden arrangements. European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum L.) is a perfect example. It is a native species that reaches a height of up to 30 cm, growing in shaded parts of leafy and mixed forests [1]. The species is used as a covering plant for shaded spots under trees and in pots
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