Sucrose + 8-HQC improves the postharvest quality of lily and rose cut flowers by regulating ROS-scavenging systems and ethylene release

Abstract

The objective of the present investigation was to study the effects of sucrose + 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-HQC) on the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging systems and ethylene release during the vase life of cut lilies (ethylene-insensitive type) and roses (ethylene-sensitive type). ROS production and the degree of lipid peroxidation increased with the senescence of cut lily and rose flowers. The treatment with sucrose + 8-HQC enhanced ROS-scavenging abilities, decreased Superoxide radical (O2.−) release and mitigated the oxidative damage marked by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) level, although the up-regulated extent of each antioxidant enzyme was not exactly the same in both cut flower species. The treatment of sucrose + 8-HQC decreased the level of proline in cut rose, which suggested water stress of cut rose was alleviated. On the other hand, the increase of proline in cut lily due to sucrose + 8-HQC was elaborated. The preservation effect induced by sucrose + 8-HQC was involved in the regulation of ethylene production in ethylene-sensitive cut flowers, not in ethylene-insensitive cut flowers. From the results of ethylene and proline analysis, it can be found that there are differences in the regulation mechanism of sucrose on the fresh-keeping of the two cut flowers, but the treatment with sucrose and 8-HQC can improve the postharvest quality of cut flowers with different sensitivity to ethylene by enhancing ROS-scavenging activities and alleviating lipid peroxidation.