Abstract
The effect of leaf extracts of Psidium guajava and Piper betle on prolonging vase life of cut carnation flowers was studied. “Carola” and “Pallas Orange” carnation flowers, at bud stage, were pulsed 24 hours with a floral preservative. Then, flowers were placed in a vase solution containing sprite and a “germicide” (leaf extracts of P. guajava and P. betle, 8-HQC, or a copper coin). Flowers treated with 8-HQC, copper coin, and leaf extracts had longer vase life, larger flower diameter, and higher rate of water uptake compared to control (tap water). The leaf extracts of P. guajava and P. betle showed highest antibacterial and antifungal activities compared to the other treatments. Both showed similar effects on flower quality as the synthetic germicide, 8-HQC. Therefore, these extracts are likely natural germicides to prolong vase life of cut flowers.
Highlights
The prospects for the cut flower industry in Malaysia are very promising due to the increase in the household and overseas markets
From days 3–5, there were rapid increases in diameter of flowers treated with 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-hydroxyquinoline citric (HQC)), copper coin, and leaf extracts of P. guajava and P. betle
There were no significant differences in L∗ values among flowers treated with 8-HQC, copper coin, and leaf extracts of P. guajava and P. betle, except that the control in both types of cut carnation flowers Pallas Orange carnation had orange petals, while the Carola carnations had pink
Summary
The prospects for the cut flower industry in Malaysia are very promising due to the increase in the household and overseas markets. Per capita consumption of cut flowers per household had increased from 0.71 MYR in 1990 to 2.50 MYR in 2010. This trend is expected to increase further with greater consumer prosperity and aesthetic values for fresh cut flowers. There is an increasing demand for cut flowers in the overseas market. This is expected to continue at a growth rate of 6% per annum. This value has reached 20 MYR and 36 MYR billion in the years 2000 and 2010, respectively
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