Effect of GA3 and BA on Postharvest Quality and Vase life of Gerbera Cut Flowers

The effect of gibberellic acid (GA(3)) and benzyladenine (BA) on the postharvest quality and vase life of gerbera cut-flowers was investigated. Freshly cut flower stems of gerbera cultivar 'Good Timing', with four outer disc florets open, were put in vases containing 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 or 300 mg/L GA(3) and 0, 10, 25, 50, 100 or 150 mg/L of BA for 48 h and then held in vases containing 2.5% ethanol and 3% sucrose. Vases were placed in chambers at 25 degrees C, relative humidity about 70% and were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with three replicates. Data were recorded for vase life, fresh weight, solution uptake, membrane stability, total soluble solids over time and analyzed statistically. GA(3) 50 mg/L and BA 50 mg/L were the most effective treatments based on vase life, fresh weight, solution uptake, membrane stability and total soluble solids of gerbera cut flowers. Cytokinins and gibberelins have potential to enhance post harvest quality of cut gerbera flowers.