Antimicrobial effect of Zhumeria majdae extraction and 8- HQS on longevity of cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus  White Liberty')

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is one of the most popular cut flowers in the world. Stem end blockage and water stress are two problems in decreasing of vase life of cut carnation. A factorial experiment carried out based on CRD to study the effect of Zhumeria majdae extraction (0, 10, 20 and 30%) and 8-HQS (0, 200, 400, 600 mg L-1) on longevity of cut carnation ‘White Liberty’. Some traits, such as vase life, percent of dry matter, loss of fresh weight, water uptake, bacterial population in vase solution and stem end, petal carotenoids, ethylene production and petal protein content were evaluated. Results showed that continuous treatment by 30% Zhumeria majdae extraction� mg L-1 8-HQS improved the vase life of cut flowers 7.87 days longer than control. Also, results showed that 20 and 30% extraction of Zhumeria majdae had highest effect on the longevity of carnation cut flowers compared to 8-HQS.