Effect of peppermint and rose extracts on vase life of cut Alstroemeria ‘ Bali’ flowers

In this study, the effects of peppermint and rose extracts on delaying the aging of Alstroemeria spp. cut flowers were investigated. Peppermint and rose extracts were used in concentrations of 10, 20 and 30%. Quantitative and qualitative traits such as vase life, flower opening index, water uptake, fresh weight, dry weight, population of bacteria in vase solution and stem end, ion leakage, decreasing Brix degree, content of carotenoid and chlorophyll were evaluated. In this study, treatment of 30% rose extract was better than other treatments and the highest vase life, Brix degree, and fresh and dry weights were obtained in this treatment. Treatment of 10% mint extract was also effective in reducing the bacterial population, increasing water absorption and vase life. Treatment of 10% rose extract had the highest efficiency in the process of flower opening and it acted like treatment of 30% rose extract in fresh weight and Brix degree. The highest amount of chlorophyll was related to 20% rose treatment and the highest amount of carotenoid was related to 30% mint extract treatment.