Application Methods of Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil and Their Effect on Vase Life and Qualitative Traits of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. Cut Flowers

In this study, combined effect of two essential oils, Thymol and Carvacrol, with different concentrations in two methods on Gladiolous grandiflorous L. was investigated based on a completely randomized design with 3 replicates and four flower in each replicate. Sansusi variety applied that was red. In short term method, different concentrations of Thymol and Carvacrolin including 25+25, 50+50 and 75+75 ppm with sucrose 6% and distilled water (as control) were evaluated. Red flowers were treated in mentioned solutions for 24 hours and then they were taken to distilled water to the end of evaluation period. In standard method, different concentrations including 12.5+12.5, 25+25 and 37.5+37.5 ppm and sucrose 2% and distilled water as control were used. Flowers were kept in solutions from beginning experiment until the end of vase life. Every 48 hour, once, solutions were made to replace. Preserver solutions can use with wholesalers or retailers to protect flowers in order to sold users. Thymol and carvacrol as the most essential oil of Thymus vulgaris have strong antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. In short term method, combined treatment of thymol and carvacrol with 150 ppm had the most soluble sugar and petal aqueous contents and the least rate of blossoming. In addition, the most vase life in combined treatment of carvacrol and thymol was observed in 100 ppm with mean of 11.57days. Concentration of Anthocyanin was the most in short-term method in compared to standard in last days of experiment.