Improving Alstroemeria Vase Life by Plant Extracts and 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate

The effects of savory, caraway, and rose extracts and 8-HQS were studied on the vase life of Alstroemeria cut flowers. The plant extracts at three levels (10, 20, and 40 %), 8-HQS at three levels (100, 200, and 300 mg l-1), and control (distilled water) with 3 % sucrose were continuously applied on the basis of a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. It was found that the treatments were more effective on sustaining vase life as compared to control. The application of 8-HQS at the rates of 200 and 300 mg l-1 resulted in the longest vase life of 19.83 and 19.66 days, respectively. Among plant extracts, 20 % savory showed the longest vase life (18 days). The highest solution uptake (1.81 ml g-1FW) was associated with the application of 20% savory extract. The treatments of 10, 20, and 40 % savory extract and 200 mg l-1 8-HQS were the most successful treatments in sustaining fresh weight. The lowest bacterial population in vase solution (3 Log10 CFU ml-1) was observed in the treatment of 200 mg l-1 8-HQS. The treatments of 20 % savory extract and 200 mg l-1 8-HQS had the lowest electrolyte leakages of 4.46 and 4.93 %. The treatments of 40 and 20 % savory extract were the most effective treatments in reducing MDA accumulation. Given these results, it is recommended to use savory extract as a natural, environment-friendly compound to improve post-harvest traits and extend the longevity of Alstroemeria cut flowers.