Effects of Boric Acid, Maleic Hydrazide, Silver Thiosulfate and Sucrose on Postharvest Life of Lisianthus Cut Flowers cv.  Purple'

In study the effects of different concentrations of maleic hydrazide (100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 μM), boric acid (25, 50, 75 and 100 mM), silver thiosulfate (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2 mM), sucrose (1, 2, 5 and 10%) and deionized water (control) on vase life of lisianthus cut flowers cv. ‘Purple’ two separated experiments were conducted based on completely randomized design for 24 hrs at 22 ± 2 oC. The results of experiment revealed that significant differences (P>0.05) were found on vase life, relatively fresh weight and solution uptake between control and other treatments. The results also showed that boric acid at 50 mM increased vase life of flowers compared to other concentration. Cut flowers treated with 5 and 10% sucrose significantly extended vase life of flowers compared to control. Moreover, silver thiosulfate significantly improved the vase life of flowers and the greatest vase life obtained from 0.5 mM. Maleic hydrazide at 600 and 800 μM considerably increased flowers vase life. Chlorophyll amount of treated flowers was more than control, however, no significant differences were found.