Improving postharvest vase -life and quality of cut [613697]

Improving postharvest vase -life and quality of cut
gerbera flowers using natural and chemical
preservatives

Mehrdad JAFARPOUR1*, Ahmad Reza GOLPARVAR2, Omid ASKARI –
KHORASGANI1 and Shima AMINI1

1 Department of Horticulture , Isfahan (Khorasgan ) Branch, Islamic Azad University , Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University,
Isfahan, Iran
*Corresponding author’s E -mail: [anonimizat]

Abstract
Gerbera is one of ten popular cut flowers in the world which occupies the forth place
according to the global trends in floriculture. Hence, this study aimed to investigate
the effects of chemical, hormonal and essential oil substances in preservative
solutions to improve its postharvest qualitative characteristics. Two pulse treatment s
including distilled water (pulse1) and 4% CaCl2 + 3% sucrose (pulse2) for 24 hour
were applie d before long -time treatments. Long-time treatment s were comprised of
(1) Hormonal treatments: 0, 25, 30 mg*l-1 Gibberellic acid, 0, 150, 250 mg*l-1 Benzyl
adenine and 0, 100, 200 mg *l-1 5-Sulfosalicylic acid (2) Chemical treatments: 0, 0.4,
0.8 mM Silver thiosulphate, 0, 5, 10 mg*l-1 Nano -silver particles, 0, 4, 6 mM Aminooxy
acetic acid and 0, 200 and 400 mg*l-1 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (3) Essential oils:
Thymus essential oil and Stevia essential oils (0, 0.1 and 0.2 mg*l-1). Data were
subjected to an alysis of variance based on the factorial experiment model in the
layout completely randomized design. Mean comparison was performed using the
Duncan’s multiple range test. Parameters of fresh weight, stem bending, capitulum
diameter, carotenoid pigments of petal and vase -life longevity were evaluated during
12 days. The highest fresh weight was obtained when cut flowers were held in a
solution containing pulse1 + 250 mg*l-1 BA. Among all treatments, 8 -HQS treatment
showed the best eff ects on preventing stem bending, increasing capitulum diameter
and also on prolonging of vase -life, but nonetheless, the effects of pulse treatments
and 8-HQS concentrations were insignificant. To conclude , 200 mg*l-1 8-HQS without
pulse treatment has the potential to be used as a commercial preservative solution to
improve the keeping quality and vase -life of this important cut flower.

Keywords: cut flowe r, gerbera , longevity, postharvest, preservative solution

Abbreviations: GA 3, Gibberellic acid; BA, Benzyl adenine; SA, salicylic acid; SSA,
5-Sulfosalicylic acid; STS, Silver thiosulphate; AOA, Aminooxy acetic acid; SNPs ,
Nano -silver particles; 8-HQS , 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate; ASA, acetylsalicylic acid;
199Journal of Central European Agriculture, 2015, 16(2), p.199-211 DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/16.2.1610
199Journal of Central European Agriculture, 2015, 16(2), p.199-211 DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/16.2.1610

CaCl 2, calcium chloride; CRD , completely randomized design ; TSS, total soluble
solids ; PGRs , plant growth regulators.

Introduction
Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii cv. ‘Dune’) is an important ornamental flower and is
commonly used as a cutting flower belonging to Asteraceae family , classified as a
flowering plant and is one of ten popular cut flowers in the world which occup ies the
forth place according to the global trends in floriculture ( Choudhary and Prasad,
2000 ). As described by Wilberg ( 1973 ), flower wilting can be considered as one of
the main postharvest disorders which may lead to stem break that occurs 10 cm
below capitulum. As well as this, blockage of xylem vessels due to bacterial or
microorganisms accumulation is another contributing factor le ading to quality loss
(Jalili Marandi , et al., 2011 ). This blockage can be culminated in water uptake
deficiency and water loss (Hassan, 2005 ). Zagory and Reid ( 1986 ) showed that
some bacteria from vase water could elevate ethylene production . It has been
reported that some antibacterial compounds such as SNPs (Morones , et al., 2005)
and ASA (Kazemi and Ameri , 2012) can perceptibly extend vase -life of cut gerbera
flowers . In addition, the advantage of using 8-HQS and CaCl2 alone or in combination
with 4% sucrose as chemical preservative solutions to improve keeping quality of cut
gerbera flowers has been demonstrated ( Soad , et al ., 2011 ). The efficacy of 8-HQS
has been attributed to improving water uptake by overcoming vessel blockage
(Reddy , et al., 1996 ). Similar to STS , benefits of using the AOA ; having the effects of
inhibiting ethylene production, reducing the rate of ethylene formation and delaying
senescence have also been corroborated (Nowak and Rudnicki, 1990 ).
In the case of hormonal treatment, s tudies show ed that GA 3 treated cut flowers of
gerbera at the range of 2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg*l-1 significantly delay ed petal senescence
and abscission which might be attributed to the maintenance of flower turgidity
(Emongor , 2004 ). Moreover, as described by Danaee , et al. (2011 ), by applying 50
mg*l-1 BA and 50 mg*l-1 GA, cut flower vase -life, fresh weight, solution uptake,
membrane stability and TSS of gerbera increased. As described by Kavosiv ( 2013 ),
application of thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris L.) successfully culminated in increasing cut
rose flower (cv. White Naomi) relative fresh weight (RFW) . Considering the
environmental hazard s of some preservatives such as STS, which contains a heavy
metal, using natural substances such as plant essentia l oils and SA is more
demanding ( Jalili Marandi , et al., 2011 ).
Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of chemical and
natural preservatives in holding solutions and determining the best ones in order to
both extend vase -life of cut gerbera flower and also to increase its qualitative
characteristics.
Materials and Methods
Plant material
Treatments and environmental conditions
The present study was conducted at the laboratory of Department of Horticulture,
Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan ) branch and
commenced on June 10, 2012. Firstly, t he flowers were harvested in the morning
hours by pulling the scapes of 60 cm from the crowns . Instantly after harvest , cut
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flowers were transferr ed vertically under dry condition to the laboratory and the lower
2 cm was cut off under tap water to avoid air embolism. Subsequently , half of the
flowers were placed in distill ed water and the others were placed in pulse treatment s
containing 4% CaCl 2 + 3% sucrose for 24 hour (these treatments considered as
short -time period treatments). After these 24 hour cut flowers were taken off and
placed in 3 liters plastic vases containing 500 m l preservative solutions . In order to
compare two pulse treatments control treatment containing distilled water was
applied as a long time treatment.
In all treatments , cut flowers were kept in the laboratory at ambient temperature o f 25
± 1°C, 25-30% RH and a photosynthetically active photon flux of 15 µmol *m-2*s-1
(from Philips TDL 36W /84 cool white fluorescent tubes) from 7 a.m . to 7 p.m.
Hormonal treatments
To investigate long-time period treatments , hormonal treatments were comprised of:
(1) GA 3 at the range of 0, 25 and 30 mg*l-1, (2) BA at the range of 0, 150 and 250
mg*l-1, (3) SSA at the range of 0, 100 and 200 mg*l-1 (All PGRs were purchased from
Merck factory). In order to inhibit hormonal decomposition caused by light , cut flower
vases were wrapped using aluminium foils.
Chemical treatments
Chemical treatments considered for long-time period were comprised of : (1) SNPs at
the range of 0, 5 and 10 mg*l-1, (2) STS at the range of 0, 0.4 and 0.8 mM, (3) AOA
at the range of 0, 4 and 6 mM, (4) 8-HQS at the range of 0, 200 and 400 mg*l-1. As
described by Gorin , et al. (1985 ) the preparation of the STS solution proceeds as
follows:
(1) Dissolve 0.079 g AgNO 3 in 500 ml of deionized water = Solution A
(2) Dissolve 0.462 g Na 2S2O3.5H 2O in 500 ml of deionized water = Solution B
(3) Pour solution A into solution B while stirring. The concentration of silver wa s
0.463 mM.
Essential oil treatments
Essential oil treatments considered for long-time period were comprised of : (1)
Thymus vulgaris alcoholic extract at the range of 0, 0.1 and 0.2 mg*l-1 was applied .
Thyme used in this research was obtained from the research institution of Isfahan
Agricultural Research Center. First of a ll, 100 g leaves dry powder was placed in
conical flask containing 1000 ml hydroalcohol (850 ml alcohol + 250 ml distilled
water ) and mixed by magnetic blender for 30 min. Afterwards , using shaker , the
extract was shaken at 150 rmp for 72 h our. Subsequently , using watman filter paper ,
the extract was filtered . Using filtered limpid , extraction continued for 12 hour at 80
°C by using Vacuum Rotary Evaporator. Finally , obtained extract solution was placed
in oven for 72 hour at 70 °C to prepare alcoholic extract. ( 2) Extracted Stevia leaves
with acetone at the range of 0, 0.1 and 0.2 mg*l-1 was applied . First of all, 150 g of
air-dried powder of Stevia leaves w as immersed in 100 ml of organic solvent
containing 50 mg acetone and 50 mg distilled water. It was incubated at room
temperature for 48 hour at 150 rmp in an orbital shaker . After that, using watman
filter paper, filtered limpid was placed in hot air oven for 72 hour at 70 °C to prepare
Stevia dry powder. The extract was dissolved in 0.25% Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO,
Merck) to a concentration of 100 mg *ml-1 (Jayaraman , et al., 2008 ).
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Determination of gerbera qualitative characteristics
Fresh weight (g*day-1) rate
Evaluation of cut flower fresh weight was considerably important because of show ing
the amount of cut flower water uptake after harvesting time. The cut flowers were
weigh ed using Sartorius model digital balance to determine the fresh weight after 0,
3, 6, 9 and 12 days of harvest ing time. This method was applied to avoid air
embolism fo r fresh weight determination ( Solgi , et al., 2009 ).
(vase plastic weight + vase solution weight + cutting flower weight) – (vase plastic
weight + vase solution weight)
Stem bending (degree *day-1)
The stem bending in gerberas was determined and classified based on 4 degree s of
bending. Scape curvature was measured using a protractor and expressed with
respect to the angle. The gerberas stem bending were rated as follows: 0 for bending
up to 15°, 1 bending between 15 and 25 , 2 for bending between 25° and 65° , 3 for
bending between 65° and 90°, 4 for bending more than 90° (Celikel and Reid, 2002 ).
Capitulum diameter (cm*day-1)
The maximum flower diameter was assessed by measuring capitulum diameter from
the back of capitulum at a sepal tangent using common ruler.
Vase -life (days after harvesting time )
In regard to absence of petal abscission observ ation, in order to determin e the
durability of vase -life, petal wilting and senescence accompanied stem bending (90
>) were considered and reporte d as the end of cut flower longevity (Gerasopoulos
and Chebli, 1999 ).
Carotenoid pigments of petal (mg*g-1 initial fresh weight)
Carotenoid pigments of petal were assessed by Arnon method (1949 ) using liquid
nitrogen . Initially , 0.5 g petal was placed in nitrogen tank ( model: MVE 900) then after
a few second s when fresh petal sample dried , petal was transferred to mortar.
Subs equently , after petal sample was ground, 5 ml of 80% acetone was added and
then thoroughly mixed with sample. Later , the upper part of the solution was
transferred to laboratory tubes and placed in centrifuge (Kokusan, model H -11N) with
4000 rmp for 20 min. After that , the upper part of limpid solution was filtered using
watman filter paper and a limpid liquid was extracted. Ultimately , for determina tion of
carotenoid uptake existed in extract, two ray spectrophotometer (Uvikon, model 922)
within the wave length of 480 -510 was used. Results were put in following formula:
7.6 (A 480) – 1.49 (A 510) × V/1000 × 10 = mg carotenoid *g-1 sample
Statistical Analysis
In each treatment 4 flowers were placed in preservative solution and replicated 3
times. In each replication , 3 cut flowers were used for the measurement of qualitative
characteristics and one flower was used to determine the amount of petal carotenoid
pigment. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using SPSS statistical
software. Factorial experiment in the layout c omplete ly randomized design (CRD)
was used for analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean comparison was established
using Duncan’s multiple range test (P ≤ 0.05 ).

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Results and Discussion
Fresh weight (g*day-1) rate
Having exposed to 150 mg*l-1 BA, cut flowers fresh weight maintained at its highest
level during 12 days . Also, in the case of BA application the impact of pulse
treatments were insignificant ( Table 1 ). Jalili Marandi , et al. (2011 ) announced that
among various preservative solutions including SA, STS and ajowan oil, application
of SA were the most efficient treatme nt for keeping cut gladiolus flowers fresh weight
at optimum level . The efficacy of using SA was also reinforced when it was combined
with 500 ppm ajowan oil and 4% sucrose. Concerning fresh weight in the presented
experiment , after BA , GA 3 and SSA were the most efficient treatments respectively
(Table 1 ). As well as this , pulse2 + SNPs (10 mg*l-1) and pulse1 + Thymus essential
oil (0.1 mg*l-1) were more efficient than 8 -HQS , which was perceived more beneficial
for other qualitative measurements (Table 1, 2, 3 and 4). Moreover, Thymus essential
oil (0.1 mg*l-1) showed a desirable effect on extending vase -life (Table 4 ). Likewise,
Solgi, et al. (2009) showed that in comparison to control treatment , 100 mg*l-1
carvacrol essential oil and 1 or 2 mg*l-1 SNPs effectively increased relative fresh
weight and solution uptake of gerbera. However, in contrast to the results of this
study , application of 6% sucrose pulse treatment combined with 5 mg*l-1 SNPs was
considered more effective than 8 -HQS on increasin g flowers vase -life. As delineated
by Hasan Abadi , et al. (2013 ) among chemical treatments comprised of silver nitrate,
nano -silver and STS, preservative solutions containing silver nitrate followed by
nano -silver were the most efficient treatments to hinder the fresh weight reduction of
cut gerbera flowers respectively . After 12 days, only silver nitrate , especially at the
concentration of 300 mg*l-1, succeeded in maintain ing cut flowers quality . Soad , et al.
(2011 ) also described that CaCl 2 (1000 ppm ) and 8-HQS (200 ppm) only when they
were supplemented with 4% sucrose showed desirable effect on cut gerbera flower
fresh weight. On the other hand , taking the fresh weight maintenance at high level
into consideration, this study indicated that the positive effects of hormonal
treatments were considerably and statistically more tha n chemical and essential oil
treatments (Table 1) .
Besides, having co mbined these hormonal treatments with pulse treatments, the
differences were insignificant (Table 1) . In agreement with the results of this survey,
the benefit of using GA 3 and BA has been corroborated by Danaee , et al. (2011). As
proclaimed by Danaee , et al. (2011), both BA and GA 3 at the concentration of 50
mg*l-1 along with 2.5% ethanol and 3% sucrose were considered as the most efficient
treatments to improve the quality of vase -life, fresh weight, solution uptake,
membrane stability and cut gerbera flowers TSS. However, in the present study,
application of a higher concentration of 150 mg*l-1 BA culminated in maximizing fresh
weight ( Table 1 ). The effects of BA and GA 3 on membrane stability index
improvement have also been reported (Danaee , et al., 2011); this measure shows
the comparative electrolyte leakage by tissue, which reaches its lowest point by
passing time from the first stage of postharvest prior to senescence. Studies revealed
that preservative solution supplemented with sucrose increas ed stem mechanical
rigidity by instigating cell wall thickening and lignifications of vascular tissues
(Steinitz, 1982). Besides, it antagonizes the effect of ABA, which promotes
senescence (Halevy and Mayak, 1979). Considering the aforementioned
explanati ons, the efficacy of BA and GA 3 on cut gerbera flower fresh weight is likely
owing to its antagonistic property toward ABA and senescence delaying as well.
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Table 1. Interaction effects of long -time treatments combined with pulse treatments
on cut gerber a flower fresh weight ( g*day-1) at different times.
Treatments 1st Day 3rd Day 6th Day 9th Day 12th Day
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 34.776c-j 27.776h-n 23.566k-o 19.800e-i 14.833de
Pulse1 + Thymus 0.1 mg*l-1 29.133ijk 26.400mn 20.933mno 18.033j-l 13.600d-g
Pulse1 + Thymus 0.2 mg*l-1 35.600b-h 27.133k-n 21.033mno 19.166f-k 15.800cd
Pulse1 + Stevia 0.1 mg*l-1 34.500c-j 26.833k-n 23.700l-o 20.600e-h 11.466d-k
Pulse1 + Stevia 0.2 mg*l-1 33.733d-k 26.266n 22.133mno 16.966g-n 11.433d-k
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 34.666c-j 33.620a-g 31.100a-g 28.596abc 24.113ab
Pulse1 + GA 3 25 mg*l-1 32.233f-k 31.643a-n 28.600e-l 26.670a-d 22.113ab
Pulse1 + GA 3 30 mg*l-1 32.666e-k 31.996a-l 29.866b-i 27.450abc 23.313ab
Pulse1 + BA 150 mg*l-1 35.666b-h 35.066a-e 32.900a-e 29.003abc 22.503ab
Pulse1 + BA 250 mg*l-1 37.666b-f 36.866a 34.966ab 31.113ab 25.803a
Pulse1 + SSA 100 mg*l-1 35.000c-i 34.00a-f 31.966a-f 25.893bcd 20.923ab
Pulse1 + SSA 200 mg*l-1 33.666d-k 32.666a-j 30.166b-i 26.670a-d 22.623ab
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 32.650e-k 29.710e-n 25.986g-m 15.976h-n 7.833i-l
Pulse1 + STS 0.4 mM 38.376a-e 32.070a-k 24.653j-o 17.976g-l 9.000g-l
Pulse1 + STS 0.8 mM 38.873a-d 35.086a-e 24.256k-o 16.476h-n 8.033h-l
Pulse1 + SNPs 5 mg*l-1 41.432ab 35.066a-e 29.443c-j 15.383h-n 8.000h-l
Pulse1 + SNPs 10 mg*l-1 37.086a-g 31.900a-m 25.553h-m 15.956h-n 8.443h-l
Pulse1 + AOA 4 mM 31.800f-k 30.733b-n 30.106b-i 13.233lmn 5.693l
Pulse1 + AOA 6 mM 33.540d-k 31.486a-n 29.110d-k 17.336g-m 8.243h-l
Pulse1 + 8 -HQS 200 mg*l-1 37.153b-g 33.146a-h 27.333f-l 16.993g-n 8.930g-l
Pulse1 + 8 -HQS 400 mg*l-1 36.764b-g 34.400a-f 29.753c-i 13.663k-n 6.706kl
Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 30.033h-k 26.466lmn 19.933o 17.266g-m 14.566de
Pulse2 + Thymus 0.1 mg*l-1 28.366k 27.833h-n 24.253k-o 17.233g-m 12.133d-i
Pulse2 + Thymus 0.2 mg*l-1 28.933jk 28.066g-n 23.666l-o 17.066g-m 9.133f-l
Pulse2 + Stevia 0.1 mg*l-1 31.233g-k 30.033d-n 24.600j-o 14.466i-n 9.466f-l
Pulse2 + Stevia 0.2 mg*l-1 29.800h-k 28.800f-n 22.166mno 16.566h-n 12.000d-j
Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 28.266k 27.433i-n 25.066i-n 22.116d-g 12.926d-h
Pulse2 + GA 3 25 mg*l-1 32.933d-k 32.400a-k 30.766a-g 27.673abc 23.870ab
Pulse2 + GA 3 30 mg*l-1 34.466c-j 33.733a-f 31.533a-f 28.226abc 24.476ab
Pulse2 + BA 150 mg*l-1 37.600b-f 36.633a 34.300abc 31.336a 25.630a
Pulse2 + BA 250 mg*l-1 32.966d-k 32.000a-l 29.966b-i 27.780abc 23.686ab
Pulse2 + SSA 100 mg*l-1 36.333b-j 35.366a-e 32.966a-e 27.226a-d 23.083ab
Pulse2 + SSA 200 mg*l-1 35.300c-i 34.300a-f 30.433a-h 24.560cde 19.793bc
Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 32.761e-k 30.433c-n 20.220no 12.920lmn 6.693kl
Pulse2 + STS 0.4 mM 37.296b-g 32.070a-k 28.776e-k 14.073j-n 8.203h-l
Pulse2 + STS 0.8 mM 40.030abc 36.233ab 29.440c-j 14.680i-n 9.233f-l
Pulse2 + SNPs 5 mg*l-1 35.710b-h 32.953a-i 28.326e-l 15.176h-n 8.163h-l
Pulse2 + SNPs 10 mg*l-1 38.376a-e 37.066a 30.266b-h 23.996c-f 13.976def
Pulse2 + AOA 4 mM 43.570a 36.860a 34.330abc 12.160mn 7.913h-l
Pulse2 + AOA 6 mM 37.863b-f 35.366a-e 35.443a 11.573n 7.000jkl
Pulse2 + 8 -HQS 200 mg*l-1 37.030b-g 36.066abc 33.996a-d 19.223f-j 10.320e-l
Pulse2 + 8 -HQS 400 mg*l-1 36.816b-g 34.326a-f 32.433a-f 16.023h-n 8.086h-l
Pulse1 = distilled water for 24 h; Pulse2 = 4% CaCl2 + 3% sucrose for 24 h; Means sharing the same letters are
not significantly different by Duncan’s Multiple range test at P < 0.05.
Stem bending (degree *day-1)
The lowest stem bending was observed when cut flowers were exposed to 8 -HQS
(Table 2). In order to inhibit stem bending the concentrations of both 200 and 400
mg*l-1 8-HQS were found considerably effective. On the other hand, these
observations were not affected by pulse treat ments perceptively.
Compared to control treatment, application of 8-HQS in preservative solution, led to
significant reduction of stem bending. After 8-HQS + pulse1 application, the lowest
stem bending w as achieved when cut flowers were treated by 10 mg*l-1 SNPs and
0.4 mM STS, both in combination with 4% CaCl 2 + 3% sucrose for 24 h our. Apart
from the cut flowers treated with these chemical preservatives, gerbera stem bending
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was escalated vigorously by hormonal and essential oil preservative solutions (Table
2).
Table 2. Interaction effects of long -time treatments combined with pulse treatments
on cut gerbera flowers stem bending (degree *day-1) at different times.
Treatments 3rd Day 6th Day 9th Day 12th Day
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 32.666ab 65.533d-i 92.766g-p 180.000k
Pulse1 + Thymus 0.1 mg*l-1 50.333bc 58.866c-h 78.333e-n 101.133c-i
Pulse1 + Thymus 0.2 mg*l-1 32.666ab 94.266g-l 133.800o-r 138.800g-k
Pulse1 + Stevia 0.1 mg*l-1 68.333cd 91.066f-l 145.000pqr 180.000k
Pulse1 + Stevia 0.2 mg*l-1 77.833cd 100.600h-l 106.133j-q 173.333jk
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 71.633cd 90.000e-l 94.000h-p 101.666c-i
Pulse1 + GA 3 25 mg*l-1 98.333de 111.066i-l 111.000k-q 112.200d-j
Pulse1 + GA 3 30 mg*l-1 111.066e 116.100jkl 116.333l-q 143.333h-k
Pulse1 + BA 150 mg*l-1 22.166ab 68.866d-j 68.866c-m 107.200c-i
Pulse1 + BA 250 mg*l-1 23.966ab 60.000c-h 60.000a-k 69.433a-f
Pulse1 + SSA 100 mg*l-1 31.420ab 99.966h-l 100.100i-p 135.000g-k
Pulse1 + SSA 200 mg*l-1 12.300a 66.086d-i 66.220a-k 115.000e-k
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 6.110a 47.776a-g 62.766a-l 88.333b-h
Pulse1 + STS 0.4 mM 3.886a 66.653d-i 82.216d-m 115.220e-k
Pulse1 + STS 0.8 mM 3.216a 82.996d-l 92.766g-p 123.886f-k
Pulse1 + SNPs 5 mg*l-1 1.165a 14.440abc 18.883a-d 107.776c-i
Pulse1 + SNPs 10 mg*l-1 4.110a 6.996ab 38.883a-g 62.766a-f
Pulse1 + AOA 4 mM 2.530a 12.550abc 78.330 e-n 160.000ijk
Pulse1 + AOA 6 mM 1.662a 6.420ab 48.883a-i 135.000g-k
Pulse1 + 8 -HQS 200 mg*l-1 3.886a 12.220ab 12.220ab 25.000a
Pulse1 + 8 -HQS 400 mg*l-1 13.876a 14.106abc 37.220a-f 48.553a-d
Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 122.800ef 180.000m 180.000r 180.000k
Pulse2 + Thymus 0.1 mg*l-1 55.600bc 83.366d-l 130.000n-r 180.000k
Pulse2 + Thymus 0.2 mg*l-1 21.166ab 53.933b-h 95.566h-p 180.000k
Pulse2 + Stevia 0.1 mg*l-1 21.700ab 98.366h-l 175.000r 180.000k
Pulse2 + Stevia 0.2 mg*l-1 34.466ab 41.133a-e 155.000qr 180.000k
Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 150.000f 180.000m 180.000r 180.000k
Pulse2 + GA 3 25 mg*l-1 22.733ab 58.876c-h 61.666a-k 120.866f-k
Pulse2 + GA 3 30 mg*l-1 7.853a 73.876d-k 73.876d-m 102.766c-i
Pulse2 + BA 150 mg*l-1 7.743a 42.766a-f 42.766a-h 112.766d-j
Pulse2 + BA 250 mg*l-1 7.543a 37.733a-d 37.733a-e 105.000c-i
Pulse2 + SSA 100 mg*l-1 6.600a 37.186a-d 37.666a-f 150.000e-k
Pulse2 + SSA 200 mg*l-1 10.520a 118.333kl 118.333m-q 160.000ijk
Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 120.553ef 125.000l 180.000r 180.000k
Pulse2 + STS 0.4 mM 4.553a 4.660ab 14.993abc 54.440a-e
Pulse2 + STS 0.8 mM 6.000a 10.553abc 22.773a-d 105.776c-i
Pulse2 + SNPs 5 mg*l-1 9.333a 11.216abc 38.330a-g 91.110b-h
Pulse2 + SNPs 10 mg*l-1 4.876ab 5.110ab 26.110a-e 48.333a-d
Pulse2 + AOA 4 mM 3.876a 4.366ab 55.553a-j 160.000ijk
Pulse2 + AOA 6 mM 4.973a 8.553ab 38.886a-g 180.000k
Pulse2 + 8 -HQS 200 mg*l-1 2.553a 2.643a 24.996a-e 46.220abc
Pulse2 + 8 -HQS 400 mg*l-1 3.886a 6.886ab 6.886a 38.000ab
Pulse1 = distilled water for 24 h; Pulse2 = 4% CaCl2 + 3% sucrose for 24 h; Means sharing the same letters are
not significantly different by Duncan’s Multiple range test at P < 0.05.
In regards with table 2 , the chemical preservatives with higher antibacterial properties
suppressed stem bending strikingly more. It has been cited that “bent neck is caused
by insufficient flower stem hardening, maturation of the stem tissue below the har vest
flower or level of dry matters and water content of flowers” (Danaee , et al., 2011).
They reported that gerbera stem bending was hindered by applying 50 mg*l-1 BA and
GA 3, whereas in this study hormonal treatments failed to hinder the increase of ste m
bending ( Table 2 ). Studies unfolded that the presence of bacterial contamination in
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preservative solution can trigger both vessel blockage on the cut surface ( Nowak and
Rudnicki, 1990) and ethylene production (Zagory and Reid, 1986) that consequently
decrees cut flower water conductivity.
Considering the overall trend presented in table 2 , apart from chemical preservatives,
essential oil and hormonal treatment combined with pulse 1 resulted in lower stem
bending. However, when these treatments were combin ed with pulse 2, the stem
bending disorder increased. This result may be attributed to the capability of
enhancing bacterial contamination by applying sucrose and efficiency of antibacterial
preservatives. In addition, compared to Stevia , Thymus essential oil with higher
antibacterial property resulted in lower stem bending ( Table 2 ). Kazemi and Ameri
(2012) disclosed that application of salicylic acid and nano -silver affected MDA
content, ACO activity and anthocyanin leakage. Application of 5 mg*l-1 nano -silver
improved the permeability of membrane by reducing both ACO (ACC – oxidase)
activity and MDA accumulation, which consequently prohibited the conversion of
ACC into ethylene.
The positive effects of 8 -HQS at 100 and 200 ppm supplemented with 4% sucrose on
flower fresh and dry weight, longevity, soluble sugars and anthocyanin pigment in
petal of gerbera (Soad , et al., 2011). Likewise, the present study implied that the
efficacy of 8 -HQS on stem bending ( Table 2 ), vase -life longevity ( Table 4 ) and
capitulum diameter ( Table 3 ) was noticeably more than all other preservatives.
Capitulum diameter (cm *day-1)
As described by Ansari , et al. (2011) preservative solution supplemented with 5 mg*l-
1 SNPs + 4% sucrose effectively increased flower diameter of cut gerbera flower. As
shown in table 3 , apart from essential oils treatments, other treatments resulted in a
desirable amount of capitulum diameter.
The highest length of capitulum diameter afte r 12 days was observed in 8 -HQS
treatments. In addition, considering the effects of 8 -HQS on capitulum diameter,
using pulse 1 and 2, capitulum diameter results did not vary significantly analogous
to the results of other qualitative parameters. The differ ences between 200 and 400
mg*l-1 of 8-HQS concentrations were not statistically significant in all qualitative
parameters as well ( Table 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 ).
It can be inferred that 8 -HQS was more beneficial than other preservatives likely
mediated by higher antibacterial activity. High antibacterial efficiency can hinder the
increase of bacterial accumulation at the end of stem, which leads to vessels
plugging (Kazemi , et al., 2010) and ethylene synthesis (Zagory and Reid, 1986) that
links to water conductivity disorder, wilting and decreasing capitulum diameter.
Vase -life (days after harvesting time)
As denoted in table 4 , compared to all preservatives, cut ge rbera flower vase -life was
radically extended by applying preservative solutions supplemented with 8 -HQS (200
and 400 mg*l-1). However, short -time treatments failed to improve the efficacy of 8 –
HQS.

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Table 3. Interaction effects of long -time treatments combined with pulse treatments
on cut gerbera flowers capitulum diameter (cm *day-1) at different times.
Treatments 1st Day 3rd Day 6th Day 9th Day 12th Day
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 11.083c-j 10.986f-l 7.100jk 6.800k-o 3.346l
Pulse1 + Thymus 0.1 mg*l-1 10.473k-p 10.696g-n 6.496k 6.333k-o 3.700l
Pulse1 + Thymus 0.2 mg*l-1 10.620i-o 11.286b-g 7.106jk 5.166o 3.010l
Pulse1 + Stevia 0.1 mg*l-1 11.086c-j 11.010d-j 6.240k 5.933mno 3.666l
Pulse1 + Stevia 0.2 mg*l-1 11.100c-j 10.966f-k 8.066ij 5.620no 2.986l
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 11.653a-d 11.653a-d 11.343ab 11.263a 10.250ab
Pulse1 + GA 3 25 mg*l-1 11.363b-g 11.363b-f 11.343ab 11.020ab 9.383a-d
Pulse1 + GA 3 30 mg*l-1 11.650a-d 11.650a-d 11.553a 11.463a 10.273ab
Pulse1 + BA 150 mg*l-1 11.640a-e 11.640a-e 11.243abc 9.916a-g 8.296d-g
Pulse1 + BA 250 mg*l-1 12.0733a 12.073a 11.530a 9.840a-g 8.240d-g
Pulse1 + SSA 100 mg*l-1 11.686abc 11.686abc 11.263abc 10.403a-f 9.353a-d
Pulse1 + SSA 200 mg*l-1 11.876ab 11.876ab 10.830a-d 10.586a-e 10.310ab
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 10.916f-l 10.916f-l 10.473a-e 9.230c-h 8.440c-g
Pulse1 + STS 0.4 mM 10.986f-k 10.986e-j 9.563d-h 9.553b-g 9.396a-d
Pulse1 + STS 0.8 mM 10.700h-n 10.700g-n 8.610g-i 9.163d-h 8.720b-f
Pulse1 + SNPs 5 mg*l-1 10.986f-k 10.986f-j 10.796a-d 7.883h-k 7.283e-k
Pulse1 + SNPs 10 mg*l-1 10.876f-l 10.876f-m 10.683a-e 7.386i-m 7.796d-j
Pulse1 + AOA 4 mM 11.220c-i 11.220c-h 11.496a 7.830h-l 7.276e-k
Pulse1 + AOA 6 mM 11.053d-k 11.053c-i 11.010a-d 8.830h-l 7.160f-k
Pulse1 + 8 -HQS 200 mg*l-1 10.596j-o 10.596h-n 10.906a-d 9.553b-g 9.250a-e
Pulse1 + 8 -HQS 400 mg*l-1 10.240mp 10.240mno 10.010a-d 10.330a-f 9.986abc
Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 10.376l-p 10.453i-o 9.286e-i 7.900h-k 6.510ijk
Pulse2 + Thymus 0.1 mg*l-1 10.030op 10.293l-o 9.866c-g 7.066j-n 6.310jk
Pulse2 + Thymus 0.2 mg*l-1 10.173nop 10.143c-i 8.986f-i 6.733k-n 5.686k
Pulse2 + Stevia 0.1 mg*l-1 10.460k-o 10.400i-o 8.266hij 6.433k-o 5.643k
Pulse2 + Stevia 0.2 mg*l-1 10.176m-p 9.850o 8.113ij 6.266l-o 5.833k
Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 9.853p 9.853o 8.110ij 7.663h-l 6.953g-k
Pulse2 + GA 3 25 mg*l-1 11.120c-j 11.120c-h 10.816a-d 10.863abc 9.096a-e
Pulse2 + GA 3 30 mg*l-1 11.040e-k 11.040c-j 10.786a-d 10.630a-e 9.183a-e
Pulse2 + BA 150 mg*l-1 11.296b-h 11.296b-g 11.133abc 10.796a-d 9.163a-e
Pulse2 + BA 250 mg*l-1 11.150c-j 11.150c-h 10.786a-d 10.673a-e 8.073d-i
Pulse2 + SSA 100 mg*l-1 11.396b-f 11.396b-f 11.163abc 10.750a-e 9.086a-e
Pulse2 + SSA 200 mg*l-1 11.230c-i 11.230c-h 10.410a-d 10.410a-f 7.910d-j
Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 10.106nop 10.106nop 8.953f-i 7.273i-m 6.553h-k
Pulse2 + STS 0.4 mM 10.270mp 10.270l-o 10.260a-f 9.930a-g 9.183a-e
Pulse2 + STS 0.8 mM 10.093nop 10.093nop 10.263a-f 8.553g-j 8.206d-h
Pulse2 + SNPs 5 mg*l-1 10.106nop 10.106no 10.283a-f 9.493b-g 8.716b-f
Pulse2 + SNPs 10 mg*l-1 10.330l-p 10.330k-o 10.616a-e 9.106e-h 8.886a-e
Pulse2 + AOA 4 mM 11.000f-k 11.000d-j 10.906a-d 9.443b-g 7.773d-j
Pulse2 + AOA 6 mM 11.040e-k 11.140c-h 11.296abc 10.886ab 7.110f-k
Pulse2 + 8 -HQS 200 mg*l-1 10.763g-m 10.696g-n 10.553a-e 10.553a-e 10.073abc
Pulse2 + 8 -HQS 400 mg*l-1 10.386l-p 10.386j-o 10.920a-d 10.606a-e 10.563a
Pulse1 = distilled water for 24 h; Pulse2 = 4% CaCl2 + 3% sucrose for 24 h; Means sharing the same letters are
not significantly different by Duncan’s Multiple range test at P < 0.05.
The highest longevity was then followed by pulse2 + STS (0.4 mM) and pulse2 +
SNPs (10 mg*l-1). Another survey revealed that application of 200 ppm citric acid,
200 ppm AgNO3, 5% sucrose and 0.02% Tween -20 exerted the most positive effects
on enhancing postharvest quality and longevity of gladiolus and China aster cultivars
(Tiwari et al., 2010). Moreover, considering application of natural preservatives,
Thymus essential oil with distilled water as a pulse treatment had the most desirable
result ( Table 4 ). This is in agreement with obtained results of cut gerbera flowers,
where application of 200 mg*l-1 8-HQS + 4% sucrose or 2000 mg*l-1 CaCl2 + 4%
sucrose resulted in the highest longevity (Soad , et al., 2011). In the same way, in
another research Oraee , et al. (2011) showed that thyme essential oil at the
concentration s of 100 mg*l-1 and 6 mg*l-1 nano -silver was considered as the best
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treatment to prolong gerbera vase -life. On the other hand, studies revealed that when
nano -silver concentration rose by 6 to 8 and 10 mg*l-1, toxic effect was detected
without more antibacterial efficacy. Conversely, in consistent with our results, Safa , et
al. (2012) described that the maximum vase -life and optimum flower diameter were
achieved when cut gerbera flowers were treated by 10 mg*l-1 SNPs and fresh weight
peaked at its highest point by applying 20 mg*l-1 nano-silver in preservative solution.
Table 4. Interaction effects of long -time treatments combined with pulse
treatments on vase -life extension of cut gerbera flowers.
Treatments Days Treatments Days
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 11.333c-i Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 7.666klm
Pulse1 + Thymus 0.1 mg*l-1 13.106bcd Pulse2 + Thymus 0.1 mg*l-1 10.776d-k
Pulse1 + Thymus 0.2 mg*l-1 10.886d-k Pulse2 + Thymus 0.2 mg*l-1 10.886d-k
Pulse1 + Stevia 0.1 mg*l-1 10.886d-k Pulse2 + Stevia 0.1 mg*l-1 8.000j-m
Pulse1 + Stevia 0.2 mg*l-1 10.886d-k Pulse2 + Stevia 0.2 mg*l-1 9.440f-k
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 11.773b-i Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 6.000lm
Pulse1 + GA 3 25 mg*l-1 9.330f-k Pulse2 + GA 3 25 mg*l-1 10.640d-k
Pulse1 + GA 3 30 mg*l-1 10.553d-k Pulse2 + GA 3 30 mg*l-1 11.443c-i
Pulse1 + BA 150 mg*l-1 11.355c-i Pulse2 + BA 150 mg*l-1 12.443b-f
Pulse1 + BA 250 mg*l-1 11.996b-h Pulse2 + BA 250 mg*l-1 11.996b-h
Pulse1 + SSA 100 mg*l-1 9.553e-k Pulse2 + SSA 100 mg*l-1 11.110c-j
Pulse1 + SSA 200 mg*l-1 11.430c-i Pulse2 + SSA 200 mg*l-1 8.996h-k
Pulse1 + Control 0 mg*l-1 13.443bcd Pulse2 + Control 0 mg*l-1 5.666m
Pulse1 + STS 0.4 mM 11.663b-i Pulse2 + STS 0.4 mM 14.663b
Pulse1 + STS 0.8 mM 9.110g-k Pulse2 + STS 0.8 mM 12.220b-h
Pulse1 + SNPs 5 mg*l-1 13.000bcd Pulse2 + SNPs 5 mg*l-1 12.776b-e
Pulse1 + SNPs 10 mg*l-1 12.333b-g Pulse2 + SNPs 10 mg*l-1 14.333bc
Pulse1 + AOA 4 mM 9.666e-k Pulse2 + AOA 4 mM 8.666i-l
Pulse1 + AOA 6 mM 9.440f-k Pulse2 + AOA 6 mM 9.553e-k
Pulse1 + 8 -HQS 200 mg*l-1 18.993a Pulse2 + 8 -HQS 200 mg*l-1 17.553a
Pulse1 + 8 -HQS 400 mg*l-1 18.286a Pulse2 + 8 -HQS 400 mg*l-1 19.420a
Pulse1 = distilled water for 24 h; Pulse2 = 4% CaCl2 + 3% sucrose for 24 h; Means sharing the same letters
are not significantly different by Duncan’s Multiple range test at P < 0.05.
Carotenoid pigments of petal (mg *g-1 initial fresh weight)
The results of preservative solutions in this investigation had insignificant impact on
the amount of carotenoid pigments. According to prior observations 8 -HQS treatment
can induced many positive effects on keeping the quality of cut gerbera flowers. For
instance, pulse treatment with sucrose + 8 -HQS effectively delayed chlorophyll
degradation and preserved the soluble carbohydrates of Antirrhinum majus L. petals
(Asrar, 201 2). These functions might be attributed to the potential of ethylene
inhibition by 8-HQS (Bartoli , et al., 1997).
Conclusion
It can be concluded that among all preservatives application of 8 -HQS successfully
has improved qualitative characteristics of cut gerbera flower. Considering the fact
that keeping quality of this cut flower has not changed significantly by both pulse
treatments and also 200 and 400 mg*l-1 concentration of 8-HQS, application of 200
mg*l-1 8-HQS without pulse treatment of CaCl 2 and sucrose can be suggested.
Keeping quality of cut gerbera flower, namely fresh weight, stem bending and vase –
life as measured by number of days and capitulum diameter have been improved
noticeably by 8 -HQS application . However, compared to 8 -HQS , SNPs, Thymus
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essential oil and BA showed a superior effect on decreasing the fresh weight loss
after harvesting time. In addition to decreasing fresh weight loss, Thymus essential
oil gained credence to extend the vase -life of cut gerbera flower s. Considering the
aforementioned results , it can be also concluded that combination of BA and thyme
essential oil together or with 8 -HQS might be useful for future investigations. All in all,
200 mg*l-1 8-HQS without pulse treatment is recognized as the most suitable
component in preservative solution for prolonging the vase -life and improving the
postharvest quality of cut gerbera flower s.
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