Vase Life Of Flowers Research Articles

Improving the Vase Life of Cut Mokara Red Orchid Flower Using Leaf Extracts with Silver Nanoparticles

The major causes of vase life reduction in cut flowers are the microbial proliferation in vase solution and consequently vascular occlusion preventing water uptakes. In order to control microbial proliferation efficiently, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are used as an enhancer to assess leaf extracts of Psidium guajava and Andrographis paniculata to alleviate xylem blockage in cut Mokara Red orchid flowers. The basal stem of each flower was re-cut and then pulsed with 0, 5 and 10 mg/L Ag-NPs for 24 h. The floral preservative solutions are comprised of control (125 mg/L 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, 8-HQC) and double combination leaf extracts (DCLE) of P. guajava and A. paniculata, each at 15 mg/L. The preservative solutions of DCLE with 5 mg/L Ag-NPs had higher rates of solution uptake and trace amounts of bacterial suspension, which were responsible for increasing the vase life of cut Mokara Red Orchid flowers for 15.49 ± 0.15 days, compared to the 8-HQC control treatment 8.73 ± 0.16 days. Therefore, leaf extracts of P. guajava and A. paniculata have the potential as a biocide to minimize microbial populations and prolong the vase life of cut flowers. However, the potential activities of specific antimicrobial compounds to extend the vase life need to be tested.

Effect of calcium chloride and salicylic acid solutions on the vase life of Heliconia spp.

Heliconias are cut flowers used for beautification of homes, offices and during celebrations. Clients get better value when their shelf life is extended. This experiment was conducted at the Floriculture laboratory, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria (7°25”N; 3°52”E) to investigate the effect of inorganic vase solutions on the longevity of cut Heliconia flowers. Treatments included salicylic acid (100, 200, 300 mg L(-1)) and CaCl(2).2H(2)O (1000, 2000, 3000 mg L(-1)) plus or minus 4% (w/v) sucrose, respectively, and tap water as control. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Data were collected on the number of opened bracts and sepals, fresh weight, relative water content and quality rating of flower freshness. The highest number of wilted sepals and bracts occurred with salicylic acid at 200 and 300 mg L(-1), respectively, at day 9, while no wilted sepals was recorded with CaCl(2).2H(2)O 1000 mg L(-1) + sucrose. Flower vase life was significantly improved with CaCl(2).2H(2)O > tap water > salicylic acid. Longest vase life was achieved with the use of 3000 mg L-1 CaCl(2).2H(2)O + sucrose while the shortest vase life was observed with the salicylic acid treatment.

Efficiency of essential oils and nano-malate in reduction of ethylene production and extension of vase life of cut Eustoma grandiflorum Mariachii. cv. Blue flowers

The effect of essential oils and nano-malate in extending the vase-life of Eustoma grandiflorum Mariachii. cv. Blue flower was investigated. The treatment with 3 mM nano-malate increased flower longevity as compared to control. Nano-malate treatment increased chlorophyll, proline and carbohydrate content and membrane stability, while descreasing ACO (ACC-oxidase activity) and MDA (malondialdehyde) content and delay of senescence and peroxidation of lipids. Thyme oil was slightly effective significantly. The application of nano-malate as preservative solutions for E. grandiflorum flowers maintained the vase life of flowers for a longer period.

Endogenous hydrogen gas delays petal senescence and extends the vase life of lisianthus cut flowers

Exogenous hydrogen-rich water (HRW) improves vase life and quality of cut flowers, but the effects of endogenous hydrogen gas (H2) are not known. During the vase of cut lisianthus flowers, endogenous H2 concentrations decreased and redox homeostasis was impaired. The supplementation with HRW containing 0.078 mmol L−1 H2 blocked, but 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP; a putative inhibitor of H2 synthesis) increased, endogenous H2 production. Senescence of cut flowers was delayed by H2, but accelerated by DCPIP. Also, decreased vase life by DCPIP was blocked by H2 administration. These beneficial roles of H2 were associated with less lipid peroxidation, and the increased activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase. Compared with DCPIP alone, the soluble protein, total chlorophyll, and proline contents were elevated when H2 and DCPIP were added together. Overall, endogenous H2 prolongs vase life of lisianthus cut flowers in part by maintaining redox homeostasis.

Development of means for delaying senescence and prolonging the vase life of cut flowers of Vanda orchid ‘Sansai Blue’

Development of means for delaying senescence and prolonging the vase life of cut flowers of <i>Vanda</i> orchid ‘Sansai Blue’

The influence of polyamine and polyamine inhibitors in herbaceous peony postharvest physiology

By spraying the exogenous polyamine spermidine (Spd) and the polyamine biosynthesis inhibitor d-arginine (d-Arg) in cut Paeonia lactiflora flowers, the dynamic change of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble protein, endogenous polyamines and endogenous hormones were studied. The results showed that, the effect of exogenous polyamines and polyamine inhibitors could significantly affect the content of the vase life, which Spd decreased the vase life of flowers 1.4 days. d-Arg extended the vase life 1.8 days, improved the contents of soluble protein, activities of antioxidant enzymes, endogenous GA3, IAA, putrescine (Put), ZR and decreased the MDA content, endogenous ABA, Spd in cut herbaceous peony flowers. The effect of Spd and d-Arg might control the flower senescence through the way of affecting the hormones by affecting the endogenous polyamines or through the way of affecting the hormones and endogenous polyamines directly.

The pre-harvest foliar application influenced the flower quality and vase life of chrysanthemum cultivars

The pre-harvest foliar application influenced the flower quality and vase life of chrysanthemum cultivars

Cerium improves the vase life of Dianthus caryophyllus cut flower by regulating the ascorbate and glutathione metabolism

Abstract To study the role of cerium (Ce) in regulating the vase life of Dianthus caryophyllus cut flower, the effects of cerium nitrate (Ce(NO3)3) on the vase life, the activities of enzymes in the ascorbate and glutathione metabolism, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage (EL), and the contents of reduced and total ascorbate and glutathione in the petals were investigated. The results showed that Ce(NO3)3 significantly enhanced the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), l -galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH) and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-ECS), and the contents of reduced ascorbate (AsA), reduced glutathione (GSH), total ascorbate and total glutathione in the petals, compared with control. Meanwhile, Ce(NO3)3 significantly increased the vase life and decreased MDA content and EL. Our results suggested that Ce(NO3)3 increased the vase life of D. caryophyllus cut flower by enhancing the ascorbate and glutathione metabolism in the petals.

Graphene oxide as an antimicrobial agent can extend the vase life of cut flowers

“PlantNanOmics” is an emerging topic in agricultural research that explores the potential effect of application of nanomaterials on plant growth. Graphene oxide (GO) has excellent properties due to its basal carbon plane and oxygen-containing functional groups. In the present work, the antimicrobial activity of GO was exploited to extend the vase life and improve the quality of cut roses (cv. Carola). The results revealed that the cut roses cultivated in low doses of GO (0.1 mg/L) had longer vase life, larger diameter, and better water relations. Microbial contaminations at the basal stem end is the most common reason for stem blockage that causes water stress and early wilting of cut flowers. GO was found to act as a germicide, effectively inhibiting the microbial growth at the cut stem end and improving water uptake and water balance of cut roses. Therefore, GO can serve as a promising preservative to increase the ornamental value of cut flowers.

The combination of EthylBloc Sachet and 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid reduces petal blackening and prolongs vase life of cut flowers of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaerth) cvs. Sattabongkot and Saddhabutra

Abstract Postharvest lotus (Nelumbo nucifera cvs. Sattabongkot and Saddhabutra) flowers show a rapid petal blackening which shortens the vase life of flowers. We studied the effect of EthylBloc Sachet and/or 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) on the petal blackening and the vase life of two commercial cultivars. Cut flowers were treated with distilled water (control), EthylBloc 2 Sachet (active ingredient 0.014%, fumigation for 6 h at 256 ppb), vase solution of 2,4-PDCA (2.0 mM) or the combination of EthylBloc Sachet and 2,4-PDCA. All treatments were kept at 28 ± 1 °C and 80–85% RH. The combination of 2,4-PDCA and EthylBloc Sachet caused the longest vase lives of 49.8 h with ‘Sattabongkot’ and 69.0 h with ‘Saddhabutra’, when the control values were 44.4 and 36.0 h, respectively. The combination of EthylBloc Sachet and 2,4-PDCA increased water uptake, delayed weight decrease and hue angle change, and reduced petal blackening. Moreover, the treatment caused less ethylene production and less respiration in the flowers than the other treatments. This method is useful for handling in commercial cut lotus flower.

Alleviation of effects of exogenous ethylene on cut ‘Master’ carnation flowers with nano-silver and silver thiosulfate

Postharvest treatment with nano-silver (NS) extends the longevity of many cut flowers, including carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Its beneficial effects are generally attributed to the inhibition of bacterial growth in basal stem-ends. However, Ag+ ions released from NS are also potential blockers of ethylene action. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of NS pulse treatment, compared with conventional silver thiosulfate (STS) treatment, for alleviation the effects of exogenous ethylene on cut standard ‘Master’ carnation flowers. Cut carnations exposed to 5 or 10 μL L−1 ethylene for 12 h showed reduced vase life, inhibited flower opening, premature wilting, and petal discoloration, which markedly diminished their ornamental quality. A NS pulse treatment of 250 mg L−1 (2.3 mmol L−1) for 1 h prior to ethylene exposure reduced the inhibited flower opening and, thereby, prolonged the vase life. These effects were comparatively inferior in terms of flower opening and vase life extension to those obtained with a 1.0 mmol L−1 STS pulse for 1 h. However, without exogenous ethylene NS treatment was nearly as effective as STS treatment for enhancing flower opening and extending vase life. NS treated cut carnation stems (exposed to exogenous ethylene or not) also maintained higher relative fresh weight during the vase period than those treated with STS. The Ag concentration in the stem-ends of the NS-treated cut carnations was higher than that in those of STS-treated stems, and was also higher than that in other tissues. Moreover, Ag provided by NS also reached the receptacles, calyxes, and petals. Overall, NS pulse treatments enhanced the ornamental quality and extending the vase life of cut ‘Master’ carnation flowers by antagonizing the deleterious effects of ethylene and probably inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria at the cut stem-ends.

Süs Bitkilerinde Ön Soğutma Uygulamalarının Önemi ve Kullanım Olanakları

Kesme çiçek sektöründe, çiçeğin kalite parametrelerinin ve vazo ömrünün uzun süre korunması hem ürünün ekonomik değerini hem de satıla bilirliğini artırmak açısından önem taşımaktadır. Benzer şekilde, hasattan sonra soğanlı süs bitkilerinin toprak altı organlarının soğuklama gereksiniminin giderilmesi amacıyla depolanması aşamasında, ürünün hasat sıcaklığından depolama sıcaklığına hızlı bir şekilde getirilmesi önem arz etmektedir. Ürünün kalitesini artırırken kayıpları en aza indirmek için geçmişten günümüze pek çok yöntem geliştirilmiştir. Bu yöntemlerden biri de ön soğutma yöntemidir. Ön soğutma, ürünün hasat sıcaklığından depolama sıcaklığına hızlı ve etkin bir şekilde düşürülmesi olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Ön soğutma, hem ürünün hasat sonrası soğuk depoya konulması hem de depolama yapılmaksızın doğrudan satışa çıkarılması durumlarında, ürünün dayanım süresini ve kalite parametrelerini artırmak için kullanılabilmektedir. Uygulandığı tarımsal ürünlerin yapısal ve fizyolojik özelliklerine bağlı olarak ön soğutma, havayla, suyla ve vakumla olmak üzere temelde üç ayrı yöntemle yapılabilmektedir. Bu çalışmada, ön soğutma yöntemleri süs bitkilerine uygunlukları bakımından detaylı bir şekilde tartışılmıştır.

Impact of wastewater irrigation on vegetative growth, flowering characteristics, keeping quality and productivity of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)

A field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of wastewater irrigation on vegetative growth, flowering characteristics, keeping quality and productivity of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L. cv. Prajwal) at WTC farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during three consecutive seasons of the year 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16. Seven treatments were taken as T-1: Wastewater irrigation at 0.6 irrigation depth (ID)/ cumulative pan evaporation (CPE), T-2: Wastewater irrigation at 0.8 ID/CPE, T-3: Wastewater irrigation at 1.0 ID/CPE, T-4: Wastewater irrigation at 1.2 ID/CPE, T-5: Wastewater irrigation at 1.4 ID/CPE, T-6: Conjunctive use of groundwater and wastewater irrigation at 1.0 ID/CPE in cyclic mode, T-7: Control (groundwater irrigation at 1.0 ID/CPE) in randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that the vegetative growth parameters such as days to sprouting of bulb, days to spike emergence, number of leaves/clump, length and width were not much changed, whereas the significantly higher values of flowering parameters such as spike length, rachis length and number of florets/spike were observed under application of wastewater irrigations at 1.2 ID/CPE. Keeping quality parameters such as durability of spike and flower in field and vase life of spike and flower were not significantly affected due to application of wastewater irrigations in tuberose. Significantly higher marketable cut spike and loose flower yield was observed where wastewater irrigations applied at 1.2 ID/CPE. It is concluded that wastewater irrigation is suitable for enhancing the productivity of tuberose without deteriorating the keeping quality of tuberose flowers.

Re-evaluating the role of bacteria in gerbera vase life

The relation between bacteria numbers in vase water and vase life of gerbera cut flowers has recently been challenged because of reported negative effects of bactericidal compounds. This relation is investigated using two types of experiments that do not rely on antimicrobial compounds. The first type controls vase water temperature (4, 15, 22 or 28 °C) independently from air temperature (15, 22 or 28 °C) to investigate whether fresh weight behavior for two mini gerbera cultivars (‘Okidoki’ and ‘Kimsey’) is affected by bacterial growth and leaking of soluble sugars in the vase water, or by senescence of the flower head. Fresh weight loss, when compared at constant water temperatures, was higher at higher air temperatures. At higher water temperatures and constant air temperatures fresh weight loss was not higher, although bacterial levels were high enough to expect water uptake issues. Also sugar consumption in the vase water depended on water temperature. This indicates that senescence was the main reason for the decline in fresh weight for these flowers, not bacterial growth. The second type of experiments was based on adding predetermined levels of bacteria (0, 103 or 105 CFU mL−1) and sugars (0.1% glucose or 0.2% sucrose) into vase water of flowers of three large-bloomed (‘Carambole’, ‘Candela’ and ‘Iceberg’) cultivars harvested with closed stem-ends and had their scapes sterilized before the start of vase life. When bacteria were added varying types of responses were observed. ‘Carambole’ flowers showed lower water uptake and lower transpiration and, early scape bending. Petal wilting was observed for ‘Candela’ flowers. ‘Carambole’ flowers showed higher scape sugar leakage levels in the vase water while ‘Candela’ flowers had higher scape firmness. ‘Iceberg’ flowers were also affected by bacteria, resulting in early scape bending, although sugar levels in the vase water were low. Furthermore, adding sucrose and/or bacteria in the vase water of one ‘Iceberg’ and one ‘Carambole’ flower in the same flask resulted in later scape bending for ‘Iceberg’ flowers compared to having two ‘Carambole’ or two ‘Iceberg’ flowers. The results indicate that bacteria interactions with gerbera flowers depend strongly on genotype.

Postharvest performance of cut rose cv. Lovely Red as affected by osmoprotectant and antitraspirant compounds

In cut flowers, the post-harvest turgor is a critical aspect in a system in which, in the absence of the root system, transpiration water losses must be compensated. Two experiments were conducted in order to elucidate the effect of osmoprotectants (L-Proline) as well as of molecules with antitranspirant behavior (s-aminobutyric acid - BABA or Pinolene) on the water relations and vase life of rose cut stems. Applications of L-Proline enhanced water fluxes, water conductivity, relative water content and stomatal conductance of rose cut stems in comparison to untreated plants, thus increasing the vase-life of rose cut flowers. BABA treatment reduced the stomatal conductance in rose as well as the daily water consumption, on the other hand senescence phenomena occurred earlier. The water used by pinolene treated stems was lower compared to the control and this was associated with a medium increase of the vase life. Overall, enhanced osmoregulation prolonged the vase life of cut flowers since the improved water status allowed the cut stem to partially continue its metabolic functions. On the other hand, the control of transpirational flux was functional in maintaining cellular turgor in pinolene treated cut stems, whereas with BABA, senescence phenomena occurred probably due to the activation of biochemical pathway of senescence involving abscisic acid. Taking all together, osmoregulation or direct control of transpirational fluxes may provide a promising avenue for improving the post-harvest longevity of cut roses.

Assessment of vase life and postharvest quality of cut rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Angelina) flowers by application of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate

Natural preservatives such as herbal essential oils have potential ability for extending postharvest vase life of cut flowers. In this study, application effect of cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate on vase life and postharvest quality of cut rose ( Rosa hybrida cv. Angelina) flowers were investigated. A factorial experiment with three levels of each in different time after harvesting was conducted. Results showed that usage of different level of cumin essential oil and hydroxyquinoline sulfate had significant effects on rose attributes at the level of 0.05. The results showed that the interaction effect of cumin essential oil and hydroxyquinoline sulfate in measuring time was significant (P<0.05) on all of parameters except for anthocyanin content in rose petals in a way that the highest amount for measured traits was obtained with treatment of 150 mg L-¹ cumin essential oil and 400 mg L-¹ 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate.

Antimicrobial activities of Asafoetida and Shirazi thyme essential oils improve the vase life of gerbera cut flowers

This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) essential oil (FAEO) and Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) EO (ZMEO) and their impact on vase life of gerbera cut flowers (Gerbera jamesonii cv. Rosalyn). Five concentrations of both, ZMEO and FAEO including 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400mgL−1 used as continuous vase solution for gerbera cut flowers. EOs used in this study were extracted by hydrodistillation method using Clevenger apparatus. They were analyzed by GC and GC–MS for determination of the active compounds. Thirty five compounds were identified in ZMEO, mainly including thymol (40.1%), p-cymene (15.5%) and carvacrol (6.5%). Also, thirty compounds were identified in FAEO. The main components were trans propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (21.7%), eudesmol (10-epu-γ) (19.2%) and cis propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (10.2%). The results showed that both ZMEO and FAEO at all concentrations could act as an effective antibacterial compounds and this property increased by increasing their concentration. The results of this research showed that ZMEO increased the vase life at all concentrations but high concentrations of FAEO increased mortality percentage and reduced the vase life of cut flowers. The relative fresh weight and vase solution uptake of gerbera cut flowers increased by the applied EOs treatments. ZMEO at 400mgL−1 and FAEO at 300 and 400mgL−1 resulted the least stem color change. Overall, 200mgL−1 ZMEO and 100mgL−1 FAEO were the best treatments for maintenance of gerbera cut flowers quality during vase life.

The Phenotypic Performances of Gerbera Local Bali X Rubby Red Hybrids

Gerbera is one of important cut flowers in floriculture industries. It can substitute of chrysanthemum. The novelty of cultivar and superiority of characteristic of gerbera are necessary in the floriculture markets. New cultivars can be created through hybridization between cultivars. This study aimed to find out the phenotypic performances of gerbera hybrids of Local Bali x Rubby Red. The research was conducted in Indonesian Ornamental Crops Research Institute, West Java, Indonesia from January 2014 to September 2015. Eight progenies of F1 hybrids and their parents (Local Bali and Rubby Red) were used as materials. In the hybridization process Local Bali and Rubby Red were used as female and male parents respectively. Genetic variabilities of Gerbera were achieved through this hybridization. Gerbera progeny no. 20.009 had the longest inflorescence diameter, the biggest outer sepal and the highest number of sepals compared to the others. The flower vase life of this progeny was not significantly difference to the male parent. Qualitative characters observation showed that the hybrids were classified into two groups based on flower type, four groups of outer ray florets and two-disc groups of petal color.

Effects of Crossing and Selection for Seven Generations Based on Flower Vase Life in Carnations (&lt;i&gt;Dianthus caryophyllus&lt;/i&gt; L.), and the Relationship between Ethylene Production and Flower Vase Life in the Breeding Lines

Effects of Crossing and Selection for Seven Generations Based on Flower Vase Life in Carnations (&lt;i&gt;Dianthus caryophyllus&lt;/i&gt; L.), and the Relationship between Ethylene Production and Flower Vase Life in the Breeding Lines

Breeding of carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) for long vase life.

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is one of the main floricultural crops in Japan and worldwide. The vase life of cut ornamental flowers, including carnations, is important in determining their quality and consumers’ preference. To improve the vase life of carnation flowers, my group started a breeding research program in 1992 using conventional cross-breeding techniques. We repeatedly crossed and selected promising offspring with long vase life for seven generations, from 1992 to 2008. In 2005, we developed two cultivars, ‘Miracle Rouge’ and ‘Miracle Symphony’, with genetically determined long vase lives of 17.7 to 20.7 days (3.2 to 3.6 times that of ‘White Sim’) under standard conditions (23°C, 70% RH, 12-h photoperiod). Line 532-6 showed an ultra-long vase life averaging 27.8 to 32.7 days (4.6 to 5.4 times that of ‘White Sim’). We evaluated changes in ethylene sensitivity with flower senescence simply and accurately using a time-lapse video recorder. In 2010, we selected line 806-46b with both ultra-long vase life (27.1 days, 4.4 times that of ‘White Sim’) and ethylene resistance. Analyses using six cultivars and 123 selected lines from the 1st to the 7th generations revealed that the long vase life was strongly associated with a decrease in ethylene production.