EFFECT OF PULSING IN PRESERVATIVE SOLUTIONS, GROWTH REGULATORS AND COLD STORAGE ON THE LONGEVITY OF CHRYSANTHEMUM AND LILY CUT FLOWERS

Abstract

The interaction of pulsing in preservatives, growth regulators and cold storage on vase life and quality of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzevlev) and Lily (Lilium hybrida) cut flowers were investigated. Chrysanthemum and lily cut flowers were treated with benzyl adenine (BAP), silver nitrate (AgNO3), cobalt sulfate (CoSO4), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), gibberellic acid (GA3) and silver thiosulfate (STS) and then were placed in cold storage at 5 ºC for periods of 1, 2 and 3 weeks. Vase life, fresh weight, chlorophyll reading, total carbohydrates, proline and activity of catalase enzyme were determined. Cold storage for one week and pulsing with BA, AgNO3, GA3 and STS showed the longest vase life, the lowest decrease of chlorophyll reading, the highest total carbohydrates, the lowest proline and the lowest catalase enzyme activity.

Key words: Dendranthema grandiflora, Lilium hybrida, Pulsing, Preservative solutions, Growth regulators, Cold storage, Longevity, Chrysanthemum, Lily, Cut flowers.