Comparison of Plant Growth Regulators and Exogenous Ethylene Effects on Two Types of Cut Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

The main object of this study is to investigate the effect of plant growth regulators on the prolongation of vase life of two kinds of cut carnation under normal and ethylene. Carnation is one of the most popular flowers that has a short life due to its sensitivity to ethylene. Also, the effect of plant growth regulators on several physiological traits under ethylene stress and normal conditions was studied. The effects of short-term treatment with benzyl adenine, salicylic acid, and methyl jasmonate on two types of cut carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.), one-headed standard cut carnation and multi- flower mini cut carnation, under exposure of ethylene condition were investigated. Benzyl adenine 100 µM short-term treatment had the most effect on total chlorophyll content. Salicylic acid 100 µM treatment enhanced the soluble carbohydrates, and also prolonged the cut carnation vase life. Methyl jasmonate 400 µM treating elevated the catalase and peroxidase enzymes activity and increased the proline content in cut carnations. All considered traits were reduced by exogenous ethylene. None of short-term treatments could repel the inappropriate exogenous ethylene effects. One-headed standard carnations were also tolerant of ethylene more than multi- flower mini carnations.