Optimizing the Vase Life of Cut Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)

A study was conducted to determine the effects of sucrose (0, 20, 40 and 60 g L-1), citric acid (0 and 160 mg L-1), aluminum sulphate, (0 and 160 mg L-1) and silver nitrate (0 and 120 g L-1) on vase life and quality attributes of lisianthus cut flowers ('Mariachi Blue Fonce'). Cut flowers were treated with the above mentioned compounds during storage at 20+/-2 degrees C and at the end of shelf life the amount of electrolyte leakage, relative water content and opened flowers' buds were determined. 60 g L-1 sucrose in combination with citric acid was the most effective treatment in increasing the vase life. Flowers treated with 60 g L-1 sucrose and aluminum sulphate had the highest relative water content and highest percentage of opened flower buds. The lowest electrolyte leakage (29.8%) was recorded in flowers treated with 60 g L-1 sucrose and 120 mg L-1 silver nitrate.