Influence of 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate and sucrose treatments on the post-harvest quality of cut flowers of Strelitzia reginae and Hippeastrum vittatum

Abstract

This investigation was carried out to study the effect of 100, 200 and 300 ppm 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (8-HQS) and 5 and 10% sucrose treatments on the vase life and post-harvest quality of cut flowers of Strelitzia reginae Ait. and Hippeastrum vittatum Herb. cv. Apple Blossome. All possible combinations of 8-HQS and sucrose were tested. The treatments were applied as holding solutions, and control flowers were held in distilled water till the end of the experiment. All the treatments significantly increased the vase life and number of open florets of Strelitzia reginae cut flowers compared to the control. Applying 8-HQS and sucrose treatments in both seasons improved the vase life and floret longevity of Hippeastrum vittatum cut flowers. In addition, the percentage of fresh weight gain from the initial weight and the carbohydrate content were also enhanced in both cut flower crops. In order to obtain the highest post-harvest quality of Strelitzia reginae Ait. and Hippeastrum vittatum Herb. cv. Apple Blossome cut flowers, treatment with 200 ppm 8-HQS + 10% sucrose was recommended.