Vase Solution Uptake Research Articles

Citric acid, sucrose and Cu2+ as potential vase treatments for cut Acacia holosericea G. Don foliage stems

ABSTRACTThe short vase life of Acacia holosericea cut stems needs to be improved before they are marketable as cut foliage for floral arrangement. The effects of citric acid, Cu2+ and sucrose were investigated for their efficacy in postharvest treatments to extend vase life of the cut stems. Five experiments were conducted involved combinations of citric acid either with Cu2+ or sucrose. Vase life, relative fresh weight (RFW), and vase solution uptake were measured as indicators of cut stem quality. The effect of Cu2+ alone was shown to be consistently superior in improving vase life by up to 1.9-fold as compared with deionised water control. Citric acid had a smaller effect than Cu2+ and did not act synergistically with Cu2+. Sucrose on its own or in combination with citric acid did not improve vase life significantly; instead sucrose promoted early wilting or desiccation of the cut foliage.

Salicylic acid and jasmonic acid treatments for potentially extending the longevity of cut Acacia holosericea foliage

ABSTRACTAcacia holosericea is a novel cut foliage line with a short vase life. Postharvest application of salicylic acid (SA) can extend the vase life of cut flower. SA is a host defence inducer, as is jasmonic acid (JA). SA and JA were compared as vase solution additives for A. holosericea. Three experiments were conducted that also compared these two chemicals with H+ and Cu2+ as known vase life extending additives. Vase solutions containing SA at 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mM gave ~1.3- to 1.5-fold vase life extensions as compared with the distilled water (DW; control). Provision of Cu2+ and JA at 0.5 mM in vase solutions also prolonged vase life by ~1.3-fold as compared with DW. The positive effect of SA tended to be greater than that of JA, but was inferior to that of Cu2+ at the same concentration. However, trend differences among these treatments were not statistically significant. Cut A. holosericea foliage stems treated with SA and JA exhibited higher relative fresh weight (RFW) and vase solution uptake rates as compared with DW. Overall, SA and JA evidently extended the vase life of cut A. holosericea foliage by inhibiting water loss and maintaining RFW during the vase period.

Effect of post harvest treatments and harvesting stage on vase life and flower quality of cut Oriental lily

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of post harvest treatments and harvesting stage on vase life and flower quality of cut Oriental lily cv. Avocado. The results showed that highest vase life (15.83 days) and vase solution uptake (49.17 ml) was recorded with sucrose (2%) + 5-SSA (200ppm), whereas maximum flower diameter (15.17 cm) was recorded in vase solution containing sucrose (2%) + 5-SSA (100ppm). Earliest opening of florets (4.42 days) reported under sucrose (2%) + 5-SSA (200ppm). Effect of treatments was found non-significant in respect to opening of florets. Harvesting at green bud stage exhibited extended vase life (14.33 days) and higher vase solution uptake (40.43 ml), whereas maximum flower diameter (14.25 cm) recorded at 75% colour development stage. Based on the results it is concluded that 5-SSA could be an inexpensive and potential chemical for delaying senescence and for extending the keeping quality of cut liliums commercially.

Influence of pulsing biocides on vase life of cut roses (<i>Rosa hybrida</i> L.)

The effects of pulsing solutions comprising biocides (1g Al2 (SO 4 ) 3 l-1, 0.4 ml HQS l-1, 0.6 ml NaOCl l-1, 0.6g Ca(ClO) 2 l-1), and tap water as control) on the vase life of rose ( Ro s a hybrida L. ) cut flower variety Upper Class which is Red colored intermediate flower was evaluated in laboratory experiment. The pulsing treatments were arranged in a CRD with four replications. The results depicted that treatments comprised NaOCl and HQS were able to prolong the vase life of the cut flower stalks up to 15.80 and 15.40 days respectively while Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 did not offer statistically significant advantage over the use of ordinary tap water. Spectrometric analysis on solution turbidity of the vase solutions depicted the smallest value in cut flower stalks pulsed with NaOCl while the highest values were recorded in water, which is an indication of more bacterial proliferation or accumulation of plant exudates in the later cases. The amount of water passed through 5 cm long excised stem sections was the highest in stalks pulsed with Ca(ClO) 2 and NaOCl while the lowest was in those pulsed with Al| 2 (SO 4 ) 3 and water. Pulsing of the cut flower stalks with biocides also significantly increased vase solution uptake, and total soluble solid during vase life. The results of the present study clearly indicated significant improvement of the vase life of cut flower stalks by biocide pulsing treatment especially NaOCl and HQS. K e y words: Cut Flowers, Intermediate Rose, Hydraulic Conductance, Solution Uptake, Physiological Characteristics

Effect of plant bioregulators on the vase life of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) cut flowers

The present study on effect of plant bioregulators on the vase life of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L) cut flowers was conducted at Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi during 2013-14 to evaluate snapdragon flower spikes as cut flower based on vase life and the effect of plant bioregulators on the vase life of snapdragon flower. Plant bioregulators namely aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) 0.5mM, salicylic acid (SA) 1mM and benzyl adenine (BA) 0.2mM along with 2% sucrose was evaluated. Vase life of snapdragon flower spikes were significantly increased in treatments with plant bio regulators BA+ sucrose, SA + sucrose and AOA + sucrose (9.3, 9 and 8.3 days) in comparison with control (5.6 days) and sucrose (2%) alone (7.3days). Treatments with plant bioregulators delayed the flower opening and flower senescence. Change in fresh weight was less in treatments with plant bioregulators and vase solution uptake rate was also more in the same treatments when compared to Control. Membrane stability index of spikes treated with BA + sucrose was better (64.99%) after 9 days of experiment. Bract chlorophyll content and petal carotenoid content after 9 days of vase life were found better in BA+ sucrose treatment (3.2 mg/g and 0.896 mg/ g/respectively). BA performed better than other bio regulators in terms of vase life, colour retention and membrane stability. Sucrose (2%) alone improved the vase life but not significant when compared with solutions containing plant growth regulators along with it.

Effects of chlorination and acidification on postharvest physiological properties of alstroemeria, cv. ‘Vanilla’ and on microbial contamination of vase solution

Leaf yellowing is the major postharvest crisis for cut alstroemeria flowers. Most studies have focused on hormone application to overcome this problem, while other important aspects of postharvest treatment such as vase solution microbial contamination and biocide effects have been ignored. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the vase life and physiological performance of ‘Vanilla’ alstroemeria cut flowers in response to biocide application and microbial flora during postharvest handling. During two experiments flowers were treated with environmentally friendly and safe to use biocides such as citric acid (as acidifying agent) and sodium hypochlorite (as chlorination agent). Subsequently postharvest physiological parameters, namely vase life, side effect, weight change, solution uptake, chlorophyll content, and microbiological features of the vase solution such as microbial population, proliferation, and composition were studied. The results of the physiological study indicated a beneficial effect of chlorination on the vase life and most physiological parameters, especially chlorophyll content, and consequently, the green appearance of the leaves. Vase solution acidification, however, did not have a long lasting beneficial effect on physiological properties. Furthermore, microbiological studies show the efficacy of chlorination in reducing the vase solution microbial population and proliferation. By contrast, the vase solution acidification with citric acid was not able to control microbial proliferation. Microbial identification indicated Bacillus bacterial contamination as the dominant microbial vase solution flora.

Effect of nano-silver particles on postharvest life of Lilium orientalis cv. 'Shocking'

Prolongation of vase life of cut lilies (Lilium orientalis cv. ‘Shocking’) was studied in vase containing 5, 15, 25, 35 ppm of nano-silver solutions and deionised water as control under controlled conditions. All nano-silver treatments extended the longevity of cut flowers in comparison to control but the concentration of 35 ppm showed the highest vase solution uptake, initial fresh weight and lowest bacteria colony during first two days of vase life. Plant or bacteria extract did not affect nano-particles stability. The use of nano-silver particles at 35 ppm is recommended to improve postharvest life of Lilium orientalis cv. ‘Shocking’.

Improvement of Vase Life and Postharvest Factors of <i>Lilium orientalis</i> ‘Bouquet’ by Silver Nano Particles

Lily is one of the prominent cut flowers on the international markets, so that its longevity is an important post-storage attribute. Blockage of xylem vessels and insufficient water uptake contributes to the short vase life of cut flowers. Bacteria block stem xylem vessels and because of that reduce rates of water supply to flowers. Nano silver has antimicrobial effects at low concentration. Prolongation of vase life cut lilies (L. orientalis ‘Bouquet’) flowers by nano-silver particles was studied. Cut flowers were kept in vase containing 5, 15, 25, 30 ppm of nano-silver solutions and deionized water as control treatment under controlled conditions. During vase period, vase life, vase solution uptake, initial fresh and bacterial numbers were measured. According to the results, all nano-silver treatments extended the longevity of cut flowers compare to control. Among these treatments the concentration of 30 ppm of silver-nano showed the highest vase solution uptake, initial fresh weight and lowest bacteria colony during the first 2 days of vase life. It was concluded that nano silver particles had a high potential for eliminating of bacterial contaminants. These for suggest that application of solutions containing superior advantageous of nano-silver particles is recommended to improve postharvest of L. orientalis ‘Bouquet’.

EFFECTS OF A SURFACTANT ON DEVELOPMENT OF SENESCENCE IN GREVILLEA 'SYLVIA' INFLORESCENCES

The surfactant Agral (R) 600 applied as a dip at 0.1 ml L-1 effectively increased vase solution uptake by G. 'Sylvia' inflorescences, but did not affect longevity. The presence of other chemicals in the dip solution, such as dichloroisocyanurate or methanol, did not reduce surfactant effectiveness in increasing solution uptake, but methanol accelerated abscission and flower opening. Application of surfactant at a concentration of 0.8 ml L-1 or higher, reduced inflorescence longevity, and at 1.6 ml L-1, caused loss of fresh weight, abscission, discolouration and wilting. At 0.1 ml L-1 or less of surfactant, rate of senescence was similar to that in control inflorescences. Less-mature inflorescences were more sensitive to the surfactant than more-mature inflorescences. There was no effect of the surfactant on structure of the cuticle layer on the abaxial surface of floral trichomes on floral perianths. Increased vase solution uptake induced by the surfactant mightresult from changes in chemical bonding or cuticle composition rather than the gross changes in cuticle physical structure.

Effect of pre- and postharvest salicylic acid treatment on physio-chemical attributes in relation to vase-life of rose cut flowers

The naturally short vase-life of cut rose flowers, leads to difficulties with long-distance transportation and subsequent marketing. This study was conducted to determine whether application of salicylic acid (SA) pre- and postharvest could improve vase-life of cut rose flowers of the ‘Black Magic’ variety. Aqueous solutions of 50–200 μM salicylic acid were sprayed on roses grown in a controlled greenhouse about two weeks before harvest and flowers were cut and kept in a vase solution of SA (50–400 μM) to examine SA effects on the vase-life, flower development and senescence, increase/decrease of relative fresh and dry weight, vase solution uptake and activity of an antioxidant enzyme, catalase (CAT). All of these attributes were positively affected by SA treatment. The vase solutions containing SA showed a significant increase in cumulative uptake, relative fresh weight, and CAT activity. Generally, CAT activity in intact and cut flowers decreased during the flower bud development with the lowest activity present at petal senescence. However, SA retarded the decrease of CAT activity during senescence both in flowers and leaves compared to the water control. Postharvest SA application prolonged vase-life in cut rose flowers by improving the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity related to CAT activity and by better regulation of the water balance.

Physical stem-end treatment effects on cut rose and acacia vase life and water relations

Cut Rosa hybrida cv. High & Mighty flowers and Acacia holosericea (Velvet Leaf Wattle) foliage were subjected to various physical stem-end treatments as practised by florists. Their effects on longevity (vase life) and water relations [relative fresh weight (RFW) and vase solution uptake (VSU)] were quantified. All vase water contained sodium dichloroisocyanurate (DICA) biocide. Bark removal had either positive or neutral effects on the vase life of fresh-cut rose and had either neutral or negative effects on fresh-cut acacia. Stem-end splitting had either no or negative effects on the vase life of fresh-cut rose and acacia. However, both bark removal and stem-end splitting increased the vase life of both species when applied after short term storage for 24 h at 4 °C. Crushing stems had no effect on the vase life of fresh-cut rose, but tends to increase the vase life of fresh-cut acacia. Hot water scalding either increased or had no effect on the vase lives of rose and acacia. The tendency for bark removal to increase vase life of fresh-cut rose was associated with better maintenance of RFW and sustained VSU. However, for the most part, stem-end treatments had typically negative or neutral effects on RFW of fresh-cut rose and acacia. Likewise, the treatments had mostly negative or neutral effects on VSU. Overall for both species, there is little or no benefit and potentially negative effects on vase life, RFW and VSU of applying stem-end treatments as sometimes advocated by florists.

Stem end blockage in cut Grevillea ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ inflorescences

Grevillea ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ inflorescences have cut flower potential, but their vase life is short. End of vase life is characterized by early wilting. The possibility of physiologically mediated stem end blockage was investigated. Hydraulic conductance of 2 cm long stem end segments declined rapidly and remained lower throughout vase life than that of 2 cm long stem segments from immediately above. Re-cutting daily to remove basal 2 cm stem ends increased solution uptake, delayed declines in inflorescence water potential and water content, and improved inflorescence vase life. S-carvone is a potential inhibitor of wound related suberin formation, via inhibition of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Vase solution treatments with S-carvone (0.318 and 0.636 mM) delayed the decline in hydraulic conductance of basal 2 cm long stem end segments and decreases in vase solution uptake and relative fresh weight of cut stems, and extended vase life. Treatments with the catechol oxidase inhibitor 4-hexylresorcinol (2.5–10 mM) also delayed stem end blockage. These findings suggest that stem end blockage in cut G. ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ stems is physiologically mediated.