Eucalyptus and Citronella Essential Oils Used in Preservative Solutions Affect the Vase Life of Cut Philodendron Leaves

Abstract

Cut leaves of Philodendron sp. (philodendron plu jeeb) are often used in bouquets and flower arrangements. Keeping quality is a key criterion for assessing the value of a cut leaf, by growers, traders, and consumers alike. This study set out to determine the influence of the essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus) and Cymbopogon nardus Rendle (citronella) on the vase life of cut leaves of the philodendron plu jeeb. Vase life was assessed in terms of relative fresh weight, electrolyte leakage, pigment content, hydrogen peroxide accumulation, and antioxidant activity. Philodendron plu jeeb petioles were treated with preservative vase solutions of distilled water and 12.5 µg·mL-1 eucalyptus essential oil, 25 µg·mL-1 eucalyptus essential oil, 12.5 µg·mL-1 citronella essential oil, and 25 µg·mL-1 citronella essential oil. Cut leaves were held at room temperature (c. 30°C) in daylight and with natural ventilation. Eucalyptus essential oil at 12.5 µg·mL-1 in the vase solution significantly increased leaf vase life and helped maintain relative fresh weight. The essential oils had positive effects on the retention of membrane integrity and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging assay). They also had inhibitory effects on hydrogen peroxide accumulation and on chlorophyll and carotenoid degradation. The results indicate that 12.5 µg·mL-1 eucalyptus essential oil has potential as a vase-life extender for cut leaves of the philodendron plu jeeb.