Study to extend the vase life of cut rose (Rosa hybrida L.) flowers

Abstract

This study investigated anatomic and physiologic changes during senescence to improve the vase life of cut rose flowers. When holding the flowers in the distilled water, the fresh weight increased in the 2^nd day, and decreased in the following days. In progressing flower senescence, there were decreases in water uptake, dry weight, rate of photosynthesis, and concentration of auxin, gibberellin and zeatin, while the ionic conductance, and ABA concentration increased. The rate of respiration increased until the 3^rd day, and then decreased. The UV absorption curve of the petal extract showed two peaks at 446 and 665 nm. The absorbances was the highest in the 1^st day then decreased in the following days. Among the treatments, the combination of 10 mg/L BA, 1 mg/L GA₃ and 0.1 mg/L NAA, and the combination of 10 mg/L BA and 0.1 mg/L NAA gave a vase life for cut roses 2 days longer than that of the control.