Photosynthetica 2012, 50(3):371-379 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-012-0053-3

Effects of postharvest pretreatments and preservative solutions on vase life longevity and flower quality of sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.)

K. M. Elhindi1,*
1 Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The effects of postharvest pretreatments on vase life, keeping quality and carbohydrate concentrations in cut sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.) flowers were investigated. Compared to the control, all treatments promoted floret quality and extended longevity. The cut flowers held in the solution containing sucrose + 8-hydroxyquinoline (Suc+HQS) was more effective in promoting absorption rate, achieved greater maximum fresh mass, had better water balance for a longer period, extended the vase life (up to 17 d), and delayed degradation of chlorophylls. The same treatment also enhanced the concentration of soluble carbohydrates in the petals and stems and leaf chlorophyll (Chl) content, whereas it was lowest in silver thiosulphate (STS) treatment. However, concentrations of anthocyanin in the petals were higher for treatment with sucrose or STS plus sucrose than in control or STS alone treatments. Our results suggest that pulse treatment with HQS plus sucrose for 12 h is the most effective for improving pigmentation and use as a commercial cut flower preservative solution to delay flower senescence, enhance quality, and prolong the vase life of sweet pea. The results also showed that soluble carbohydrate concentration in petals and stems is an important factor in determining the vase life of sweet pea flowers.

Additional key words: cut flower; sweet pea; preservative solution; vase life; water relations

Received: October 5, 2011; Accepted: April 24, 2012; Published: September 1, 2012  Show citation

ACS AIP APA ASA Harvard Chicago Chicago Notes IEEE ISO690 MLA NLM Turabian Vancouver
Elhindi, K.M. (2012). Effects of postharvest pretreatments and preservative solutions on vase life longevity and flower quality of sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.). Photosynthetica, 50(3), 371-379. doi: 10.1007/s11099-012-0053-3
Share...
Download citation
  • BibTeX (.bib)
  • Bookends (.ris)
  • EasyBib (.ris)
  • EndNote (.enw)
  • EndNote 8 (.xml)
  • ISI WoS (.isi)
  • Medlars (.medlars)
  • Mendeley (.ris)
  • MODS (.xml)
  • Papers (.ris)
  • RefWorks (.txt)
  • RefManager (.ris)
  • RIS (.ris)
  • MS Word (.xml)
  • Zotero (.ris)
    • Open full article

    References

    1. Al-Humaid, A.I.: Effect of glucose and biocides on vase life and quality of cut gladiolus spikes. - J. Saud Soc. Agr. Sci. 17: 11-23, 2004.
    2. Asrar, A. A.: Effect of some preservative solutions on vase life and keeping quality of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) cut flowers. - J. Saudi Soc. Agr. Sci. 11: 29-35, 2012. Go to original source...
    3. Awad, A. R. E., Meawad, A., Dawh, A. K., El-saka, M.: Cut flower longevity as affected by chemical pretreatment. - J. Ornam. Hort. 181: 177-193, 1986. Go to original source...
    4. Bartoli, C.G., Guiamet, J.J., Montaldi, E.R.: Ethylene production and responses to exogenous ethylene in senescing petals of Chrysanthemum morifolium RAM cv. Unsei. - Plant Sci. 124: 15-21, 1997. Go to original source...
    5. Bhattacharjee, S.K.: Postharvest life of cut roses as affected by Varietal differences. - South Indian Hort. 42: 331-334, 1994.
    6. Biran, I., Robinson, M., Halevy, A.H.: Factors determining petal color of Baccara roses. II. The effect of pigment concentration. - J. Exp. Bot. 25: 624-631, 1974. Go to original source...
    7. Chadwick, A.V., Hogan, N.M., Arditti, J.: Post-pollination phenomena in orchid flowers. IX. Induction and inhibition of ethylene evolution, anthocyanin synthesis, and perianth senescence. - Bot. Gaz. 141: 422-427, 1980. Go to original source...
    8. Chen, W.S., Liao, L.J., Chen, C.Y., Huang, K.U.: Kinetin, Gibberrellic acid and sucrose affect vase life in Oncidium spp. - Acta Bot. Gallica 148: 177-181, 2001. Go to original source...
    9. Cho, M.C., Celikel, F., Dodge, L.: Sucrose enhances the postharvest quality of cut flowers of Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn. - Acta Hort. 543: 305-315, 2001. Go to original source...
    10. CoStat Version 6.303 Copyright-1998-2004 CoHort Software 798 Lighthouse Ave.PMB 320, Monterey, CA, 93940, USA.
    11. Damunupola, J.W.: Xylem flow in cut Acacia holosericea stems. - Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. Queensland, Queensland 2009.
    12. De Stigte, H.C.M.: Effects of glucose with 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate or aluminium sulfate on the water balance of cut Sonia roses. - Z. Pflanzenphysiol. 101: 95-105, 1981. Go to original source...
    13. Douglas, J.B.: An evaluation of harvest indices for "McIntosh" apples in two orchards. - HortScience 18: 216-218, 1983. Go to original source...
    14. Elgimabi, M.N., Ahmed, O.K.: Effects of bactericides and sucrose-pulsing on vase life of rose cut flowers (Rosa hybrida). - Bot. Res. Int. 2: 164-168, 2009.
    15. Ferrante, A., Vernieri, P., Tognoni, F., Serra, G.: Changes in abscisic acid during floral senescence. - Biol. Plant. 50: 581-585, 2006. Go to original source...
    16. Gorin, N., Stably, G.L., Klop, W., Tippet, N., Leussing, D. L.: Quality measurement of carnation treatment solutions in relation of flower silver distribution and longevity. - J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 110: 117-123, 1985. Go to original source...
    17. Halevy, A. H.: Treatments to improve water balance of cut flowers. - Acta Hort. 64: 223-230, 1976. Go to original source...
    18. Halevy, A.H., Mayak, S.: Senescence and postharvest physiology of cut flowers. - Part 1. Hort. Rev. 1: 204-236, 1979. Go to original source...
    19. Halevy, A.H., Mayak, S.: Senescence and postharvest physiology of cut flowers. - Part II. Hort. Rev. 3: 59-143, 1981. Go to original source...
    20. Han, S.S.: Role of sugar in vase solution on postharvest flower and leaf quality of Oriental Lily Stargazer. - Hort. Sci. 38: 412-416, 2003. Go to original source...
    21. Harbone, J.B.: Phytochemical Methods. - Chapman and Hall, London 1984.
    22. Hardenburg, R.E.: The commercial storage of fruits, vegetables and florist and nursery stock. - USDA Handbook No. 66, Washington 1968.
    23. He, S.G., Joyce, D.C., Irving, D.E., Faragher, J.D.: Stem-end blockage in cut Grevillea 'Crimson Yul-lo' inflorescences, postharvest. - Biol. Technol. 41: 78-84, 2006. Go to original source...
    24. Henriette, M.C., Clerkx, A.C.M.: Anatomy of cut rose xylem observed by scanning electron microscope. - Acta Hort. 547: 329-339, 2001.
    25. Holden, M.: Chlorophylls. - In: Goodwin T.W. (ed.): Chemistry and Biochemistry of Plant Pigment. 1st Ed. Acad. Press, New York 1965.
    26. Ichimura, K., Hiraya, T.: Effect of silver thiosulfate complex (STS) in combination with sucrose on the vase life of cut sweet pea flowers. - J. Jap. Soc. Hort. Sci. 68: 23-27, 1999. Go to original source...
    27. Ichimura, K., Hismatsu, T.: Effect of continuous treatment with sucrose on the vase life, soluble carbohydrate concentrations and ethylene production of cut sweet pea flowers. - J. Jap. Soc. Hort. Sci. 68: 61-66, 1999. Go to original source...
    28. Ichimura, K., Kohata, K., Goto, R.: Soluble carbohydrates in Delphinium and their influence on sepal abscission in cut flowers. - Physiol. Plant. 108: 307-313, 2000. Go to original source...
    29. Ichimura, K., Kojima, K., Goto, R.: Effects of temperature, 8- HQS and sucrose on vase life of cut rose flowers. - Hort. Sci. 15: 33-40, 1999. Go to original source...
    30. Ichimura, K., Korenaga, M.: Improvement of vase life and petal color expression in several cultivars of cut Eustoma flowers by sucrose with 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate. - Bull. Natl. Res. Inst. Veg., Ornam. Plants Tea 13: 31-39, 1998.
    31. Ichimura, K., Suto, K.: Effect of the time of sucrose treatment on vase life, soluble carbohydrate concentrations and ethylene production in cut sweet pea flowers. - Plant Growth Regul. 28: 117-122, 1999. Go to original source...
    32. Jones, R.B., Hill, M.: The effect of germicides on the longevity of cut flowers. - J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 118: 350-354, 1993. Go to original source...
    33. Ketsa, S., Piyasaengthong, Y., Parthuangwong, S.: Mode of action of AgNO3 in maximizing vase life of Dendrobium pompodour flowers. - Postharvest Biol. Technol. 5: 109-117, 1995. Go to original source...
    34. Kim, Y., Lee, J. S.: Changes in bent neck, water balance and vase life of cut rose cultivars affected by preservative solution. - J. Korean Soc. Hort. Sci. 43: 201-207, 2002.
    35. Knee, M.: Selection of biocides for use in floral preservatives. - Hort. Sci. 18: 227-234, 2000. Go to original source...
    36. Koch, K.E.: Carbohydrate modulated gene expression in plants. - Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 47: 509-540, 1996. Go to original source...
    37. Moalem-Beno, D., Tamari, G., Leitner-Dagan, Y., Borochov, A., Weiss, D.: Sugar-dependent gibberellins-induced chalcone synthase gene expression in petunia corollas. - Plant Physiol. 113: 419-424, 1997. Go to original source...
    38. Mor, Y., Reid, M.S., Kofranek, A.M.: Pulse treatments with silver thiosulfate and sucrose improve the vase life of sweet peas. - J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 109: 866-868, 1984. Go to original source...
    39. Moran, R., Porath, D.: Chlorophyll determination in intact tissues using N, N-dimethyl formamide. - Plant Physiol. 65: 478-479, 1980. Go to original source...
    40. Nowak, J., Rudnicki, R.M.: Postharvest Handling and Storage of Cut Flower, Florist, Greens and Potted Plants. 1st Ed. - Timber Press, Portland - Oregon - London 1990. Go to original source...
    41. Ohkawa, K., Ishihara, Y., Hyodo, H., Kano, A.: Bud drop of sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.) as affected by ethylene. - J. Jap. Soc. Hort. Sci. 60: 405-408, 1991. Go to original source...
    42. Pun, U.K., Ichimura, K.: Role of sugars in senescence and biosynthesis of ethylene in cut flowers. - JARQ 4: 219-224, 2003. Go to original source...
    43. Reddy, B.S., Singh, K., Singh, A.: Effect of sucrose, citric acid and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate on the postharvest physiology of tuberose cv. single. Adv. Agr. Res. - India 3: 161-167, 1996.
    44. Reid, R.Y., Evans, R.Y., Dodge, L.L.: Ethylene and silver thiosulphate influence opening of cut rose flowers. - J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 114: 436-440, 1980. Go to original source...
    45. Sexton, R., Porter, A.E., Littlejohns, S., Thain, S.C.: Effects of diazocyclopentadiene (DACP) and silver thiosulfate (STS) on ethylene regulated abscission of sweet pea flowers (Lathyrus odoratus L.). - Ann. Bot. 75: 337-342, 1995. Go to original source...
    46. Song, C.Y., Bang, C.S., Huh, K.Y.: Effects of preservatives and cold storage on vase life and quality of hybrid stock (Mathiola incana). - Korean J. Agr. Sci. 38: 598-603, 1996.
    47. Steinitz, B.: Role of sucrose in stabilization of cut gerbera flower stalks. - HortSci. 47: 77-81, 1982.
    48. Sven, V., Jose, J.V.G.: Sucrose loading decreases ethylene responsiveness in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus cv. White Sim) petals. - Postharvest Biol. Technol. 31: 305-312, 2004. Go to original source...
    49. Tsukaya, H., Ohshima, T., Naito, S., Chino, M., Komeda, Y.: Sugar-dependent expression of the CHS-A gene for chalcone synthase from petunia in transgenic Arabidopsis. - Plant Physiol. 97: 1414-1421, 1991. Go to original source...
    50. van der Meuler-Muisers, J.J.M., van Overen, J.C., van der Plas, L.H.W., Van Tuyl, J.M.: Post harvest flower development in asiatic hybrid lilies as related to petal carbohydrate status. - Postharvest Biol. Technol. 21: 201-211, 2001. Go to original source...
    51. Van Doorn, W.G., Witte, Y. De, Perik, R. R.J.: Effect of antimicrobial compounds on the number of bacteria in stems of cut rose flowers. - J. Appl. Bacteriol. 68: 117-122, 1990. Go to original source...
    52. Van Meetern, U., Van Iberen, W., Nijsse, J., Keijzer, K.: Processes and xylem antimicrobial properties involved in dehydration dynamics of cut flowers. - Acta Hort. 543: 207-211, 2001. Go to original source...
    53. Veen, H., Van de Geijin, S.C.: Mobility and ionic form of silver as related to longevity of cut carnations. - Planta 140: 93-96, 1978. Go to original source...
    54. Veen, H.: Effects of silver on ethylene synthesis and action in cut carnations. - Planta 145: 467-470, 1979. Go to original source...
    55. WeiMing, G., Zeng, W., Chen, F.: Regulation of ethylene on senescence of cut chrysanthemum flower. - J. Nanjing Agric. Univ. 20: 24-29, 1997.
    56. Woltering, E.J., van Doorn, W.G.: Role of ethylene in senescence of petals morphological and taxonomical relationship. - J. Exp. Bot. 39: 1605-1616, 1988. Go to original source...
    57. Yamane, K., Kawauchi, T., Yamaki, Y.T., Fujishige, N.: Effects of treatment with trehalose and sucrose on sugar contents, ion leakage and senescence of florets in cut gladiolus spikes. - Acta. Hort. 669: 351-358, 2005. Go to original source...
    58. Yu, S.M.: Cellular and genetic responses of plants to sugar starvation. - Plant Physiol. 121: 687-693, 1999. Go to original source...
    59. Zhang, Z.M., Leung, D.W.M.: Elevation of soluble sugar levels by silver thiosulphate is associated with vase life improvement of cut gentian. - J. Appl. Bot. 75: 85-90, 2001.

    Return to the content