Effects of Paclobutrazol and Gibberellin A3 in Combination with Calcium Chloride and 8-HQ on Increasing the Vase Life of Cut Rose
Abstract
The cut rose, a globally traded ornamental flower, is highly perishable due to issues such as vascular blockage, inadequate water absorption, neck bending, petal discoloration, disease, and senescence. Prolonging the vase life of cut roses is crucial for enhancing their commercial value, and the use of preservatives in vase solutions has proven effective in achieving this goal. In this study, the ‘Samourai’ variety of Rosa hybrida, characterized by standard-type red flowers and widespread international trade, was used to assess the effects of plant growth regulators on delaying senescence and extending vase life Treatments included: (T1) Paclobutrazol (100 mg L⁻¹) + CaCl₂ (5 g L⁻¹) + Sucrose (1%), (T2) Paclobutrazol (100 mg L⁻¹) + 8-HQ (200 mg L⁻¹) + Sucrose (1%), (T3) GA₃ (75 mg L⁻¹) + 8-HQ (200 mg L⁻¹) + Sucrose (1%), (T4) GA₃ (75 mg L⁻¹) + CaCl₂ (5 g L⁻¹) + Sucrose (1%), and a control with distilled water. Paclobutrazol treatments effectively delayed flower opening, and also 8-HQ treatments inhibited bacterial growth in the vase solutions. The highest fresh weight and total solution uptake were observed in the T2 treatment. Minimal color changes occurred in treatments containing paclobutrazol compared to the control, which exhibited the most pronounced discoloration. Overall, the combination of paclobutrazol, 8-HQ, and sucrose demonstrated the most significant effect in prolonging the vase life of cut roses, providing valuable insights for enhancing postharvest management in the floriculture industry. By enhancing the longevity and quality of cut flowers, this approach contributes to reducing postharvest losses and supports economic sustainability for growers and retailers. Future studies could focus on refining the concentration and application methods of these treatments, also investigating their effects on various rose cultivars and other commercially important cut flowers. Additionally, assessing the long-term environmental impacts and cost-effectiveness of these solutions would further aid in establishing best practices for large-scale implementation.
Keywords
Cut rose, Paclobutrazol, GA3, 8-HQ