Effect of ascorbic acid on postharvest vase life of cut lisianthus (eustoma grandiflorum l.) flowers

摘要

The vase life of Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum L.) cut flowers is relatively short because of some post-harvest problems. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ascorbic acid (AsA) in extending the vase life of Lisianthus cut flowers. Ascorbic acid is a natural acid and an antioxidant compound which stabilize cell membrane and proteins. Continuous treatment of ascorbic acid at 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg l-1 was administered to Lisianthus flowers. The longest vase life of cut flowers (15.50 days) was observed in flowers treated with 200 mg l-1 of ascorbic acid. This treatment increased cut vase life seven days longer that the control treatment. The maximum solution uptake (4.133 ml g-1 F.W.) was calculated in 200 mg l-1 ascorbic acid. The highest dry matter (21.55%) and loss of fresh weight (9.761 g) were obtained in 200 mg l-1 ascorbic acid, too. The results of this study showed that ascorbic acid (vitamin C), as a natural anti-oxidant, plays an important role in prolong of cut Lisianthus flowers when it is applied at suitable concentration.