Plant growth regulators’ role in senescence and quality of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum ‘Mariachi Blue’) cut flowers: Comparison Salicylic acid (SA), Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and Spermidine (Sp)

Abstract Post-harvest senescence is one of the crucial challenges limiting the commercialization of cut flowers. Long vase life is the most important factor determining the economic value of cut flowers. Major factors limiting the vase life of lisianthus cut flower included sensitivity to ethylene, inability to absorb water resulting in bending and suppression of bud opening and coloring, which must be considered at the post-harvest stage. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate three types of growth regulators, salicylic acid (SA), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and spermidine (Sp), each with four concentrations and in four replicates, on the vase life and quality of Lisianthus cut flowers in post-harvest stage. The three regulators have a positive effect on the longevity of Lisianthus cut flowers and reduce ion leakage, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide and increase the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase, and preserving the degradation of lipid membrane and cell stability. The most appropriate concentrations in this study included 1- and 2-mM salicylic acid and/or spermidine as well as sodium nitroprusside concentrations of 40 and 60 µM.