Evaluation the effect of citric acid and peppermint essential oil on Postharvest life of Polianthes tuberosa

It is very important to increase the life of flowers in cut flowers, which are perishable products and have a short life. By using different compounds and materials, the lifespan of cut flowers can be increased. The factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications including 64 pots in Mashhad. Peppermint essential oil was the first factor in four levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/l) and citric acid was the second factor in four levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/l). To evaluate the shelf life of cut flowers based on the day, the time interval from harvest to when the number of wilted florets were more than open florets was considered as the end of flowering life. The results showed that peppermint essential oil on flower life was significant at 5% probability level and the effect of citric acid on number of opened florets, florence diameter, florence diameter, wilting percentage, stem fresh weight and flower longevity at 1% probability level Significant as well as the interaction of experimental treatments on the number of open florets, florence shedding and floreter diameter at 5% probability level and the percentage of wilting percentage, stem fresh weight and longevity at 1% probability level were significant. The highest number of open florets (4.62), floreter diameter (21.71 mm), fresh weight (75.82 g), flower longevity (7.88 days) related to 300 mg/l treatment Peppermint essential oil was 200 mg / l citric acid. In general, the use of peppermint essential oil and citric acid in different concentrations compared to the control increased flower life, fresh weight, number of open florets and diameter of florets as well as reduced florence and wilting percentage of sage.