Changes in postharvest physio-biochemical characteristics and antioxidant enzymes activity of cut alsteroemeria aurantiaca flower as affected by cycloheximide, coconut water and 6-benzyladenine

Abstract

Early leaf yellowing in cut alstroemeria (Alstroemeria aurantiaca) flowers before flower development and petal abscission is an important limiting postharvest quality and vase life factors. Early leaf senescence reduces postharvest longevity of cut flowers and promotes petal's wilting. A study was made to evaluate the response of cut alstroemeria flowers at varying concentrations of cycloheximide (CHI) (50, 100 and 200 mg l^-1), coconut water (5, 10 and 20%) and 6-benzyladenine (BA) (50, 100 and 200 mg l^-1). CHI, coconut water and BA extended the vase life at all concentrations compared to the control, but coconut water at 5% concentration (with 17.39 days) was the most effective treatment. Control cut flowers showed the least vase life (10.76 days). Ethylene production in cut flowers promoted flower senescence. All concentrations of CHI, coconut water and BA delayed ethylene production compared to the control. Treatment of cut flowers with coconut water at concentration of 5% maintained the highest fresh weight of flowers and increased the content of water uptake. The chlorophyll degradation was significantly reduced by the application of CHI, coconut water and BA. The maximum content of membrane's lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity (super oxide dismutase and peroxidase) was obtained in control cut flowers. Thus, 5% fresh coconut water has the potential to be applied as vase solution (preservative medium) due to prolongs of cut alstroemeria flowers.