Effect of essential oils, ethanol and methanol to extend the vase-life of carnation (dianthus caryophyllus L.) flowers

Abstract

In this study we investigated the effect of some essential oils, ethanol and methanol as novel and old antimicrobial agents (respectively) in extending the vase-life of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) flowers. Cut flowers of carnation were kept in solution containing essential oils of Thyme, Black cumin and Peppermint (50 and 100 mgL−1 ), ethanol, methanol (4, 7 and 10%) and control. Data showed just solution containing ethanol 7% could increase flower longevity than control. Vase life and flower fresh weight losses in solution containing essential oils didn’t have significantly difference than control, ethanol and methanol. Maximum solution uptake was observed for flower kept in solution containing ethanol 4%. Totally our results suggest the application of ethanol and methanol in preservative solutions for carnation flowers.