Extending vase life of Narcissus tazetta L. cut flowers using selenium and 1-methylcyclopropene treatments

Abstract

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and selenium (Se) on postharvest quality and the vase life of Narcissus tazetta were investigated. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with 1-MCP at concentrations of 0, 0.5, and 1 µL L-1 and Se at 0, 1 and 2 mg L-1 with 3 replicates (4 cut flowers per each replicate) was conducted. The results showed that treatment of cut flowers with 1-MCP and Se significantly increased the vase life, water uptake and relative fresh weight of cut N. tazetta cut flowers. Fresh weight of flower increased from 0.58 (control) to 0.92 g using 1 µL L-1 1-MCP treatment. Total soluble solids (TSS) and total soluble sugar of flowers treated with all the levels of 1-MCP and Se significantly decreased as compared to control. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of treated cut flowers with 1-MCP and Se were significantly increased in comparison to the control. The highest (13.41 days) vase live was obtained in 1 µL L-1 1-MCP treatment. The study revealed that application of 1-MCP and Se delayed senescence symptoms resulting extended vase life and postharvest quality of N. tazetta cut flowers.