Effect of ethanol, methanol and essential oils as novel agents to improve vase-life of alstroemeria flowers

Abstract

The production of Alstroemeria flowers has been rapidly increasing in the world. In this research effect of different concentrations of ethanol (4, 7, 10%) methanol (4, 7, 10%) as pulse treatments and some essential oils (50 or 100 mg L−1 peppermint (Mentha piperata L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and black cumin (Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch)) on flower longevity, solution uptake, fresh weight and SPAD value as a measure of leaf greenness of Alstroemeria peruviana ‘santorini’ were analyzed. Results showed alcohol treatments had no positive effect on increasing vase life of Alstroemeria. Applying essential oils could extend the vase-life. The greatest longevity of vase life was related to 50 mg L−1 of thyme essential oil treatment and approximately it improved inflorescence cut vase life more than 2 days longer than control treatment. The greatest solution uptake and decrease in fresh weight were seen in 100 mg L−1 peppermint essential oil and 100 mg L−1 thyme essential oil, respectively. Essential oils could not maintain SPAD value in higher amount than control treatment but these compounds particularly 50 mg L−1 thyme, peppermint and black cumin essential oil are useful for increasing vase life of Alstroemeria.