Effects of Sucrose and Silver Nitrate on the Vase Life of Cut Ranunculus asiaticus L.

Buttercup, Ranunculus asiaticus L., generally known as a Persian buttercup, is one of the most attractive native geophytes of the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial geophyte with sparingly branched stems up to 30 cm long, bearing bright flowers varying in color from white and yellow to pink and red. The flowers are 3-5 cm diameter. Ranunculus has been grown as both garden plants and cut flowers. Relatively short vase life is one of main drawbacks of this species. In this research, the effects of two concentrations of silver nitrate (10 and 30 ppm) and sucrose (2 and 6%) were used to determine the vase life, solution uptake, fresh weight and flower color of Persian buttercup. The flowers were kept at 20 degrees C under for 12 h light regime with 88-90% relative humidity for 14 days. Silver nitrate had a considerable effect on the vase life of the flowers compared to 2 and 6% sucrose and the control. The flowers in sucrose completely faded and showed bent necks in 8 days whereas the ones in silver nitrate for 14 days with minimal deformations.