Comparison of the effects of different floral preservative solutions on extending the vase life of Rosa hybrid flowers

• Jihan Yahya Al-Hatem1 ,Saja Salem2, Israa Thamer Dhunoun, Baraa Ahmed Ali

  Author

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of some flower preservation solutions and their interactions on the vase life of cut roses (hybrid × Rosa L.) using a completely randomized design with three replicates and five flowers per replicate. The solutions included the addition of sucrose at a concentration of (0 and 20) g L^-1, silver nitrate at a concentration of 40 and 80 mg L^-1, nano silver nitrate at a concentration of 5 and 10 mg L^-1, citric acid at a concentration of 200 and 400 mg/L, ethyl alcohol at a concentration of 10%, and lavender oil at a concentration of 2%. The results showed that sucrose had a significant effect on most of the evaluated postharvest traits, as it provided the necessary energy for metabolic activities, maintained osmotic balance, delayed flower senescence, and enhanced flower color, thereby extending vase life. The results also demonstrated that both nano-silver nitrate concentrations, as well as 10% ethyl alcohol and 2% lavender oil, recorded the best significant values ​​in extending the vase life of roses, by suppressing microbial proliferation, preventing xylem vessel occlusion, and reducing ethylene biosynthesis, thereby improving water uptake and maintaining tissue integrity. Citric acid enhanced water uptake in cut flowers by acidifying the vase solution, which improved xylem conductivity and suppressed microbial proliferation. It was observed that the combination of sucrose and nano silver, as well as sucrose with ethyl alcohol and lavender oil, achieved the best values ​​for most of the studied attributes. These results underscore the importance of selecting the optimal preservation solution, combining chemical and natural treatments, to achieve a longer vase life and support sustainable development in the flower industry.

• pdf