Positive effects of different key lime (Citrus aurantifolia Linn.) peel extracts on the vase life and quality of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn.) cut flowers

Lisianthus flowers are an important cut flower in the international markets. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of peel extract of key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) (as extracted by three different solvents including deionized water, ethanol and methanol) on the vase life and quality of cut lisianthus flowers. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with 10 treatments containing 0, 15, 25 and 50 ppm peel extracts of C. aurantifolia in three solvents consisted of deionized water, methanol and ethanol with three replicates. The results showed that effect of C. aurantifolia peel extracts on the vase life of lisianthus cut flowers significantly varied according to the extraction methods. The water extracted key lime peels significantly increased the vase life (13.66 days) and resulted in the highest fresh weight of the flowers, petal water content. Whereas ethanolic extracts reduced the vase life and water content of the inflorescence. The best quality of flowers during vase life period was obtained from deionized water extracts at 25 and 50 ppm concentrations. Results of our investigation indicated that method of extraction plays an important role in effectiveness of extract. Deionized water was the best one for extraction of active compounds from C. aurantifolia. No limitations were founded.