The effects of Gibberellin 4+7 on the Vase life and Flower Quality of Alstroemeria Cut flowers

Abstract

Leaf yellowing is a major problem in Alstroemeria and absence of leaf senescence symptoms is an important quality attribute. Two Alstroemeria cultivars ‘Yellow King’ and ‘Marina’ were sourced from a commercial farm and harvested when sepals began to reflex. Stems were re-cut under water and kept in vase solutions of gibberellins A4+7 (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 or 15.0 mg/l. Treatments and cultivars were combined in a factorial fashion and arranged in a completely randomized design. Application of gibberellins A4+7 in the holding solution at 2.5-10.0 mg/1 significantly delayed the onset of leaf senescence by around 7 days and significantly increased the days to 50% petal fall by ca. 2 days. Additionally, these GA4+7 concentrations resulted in higher retention of leaf nitrogen, leaf chlorophyll and also increased leaf water content, while reducing leaf dry weight, all relative to untreated controls. Cultivar ‘Yellow King’ had significantly longer vase life and better retention of leaf quality than ‘Marina’. Our results suggest that a concentration of 10 mg/l GA4+7 can be used to prolong vase life, delay leaf senescence and enhance post-harvest quality of Alstroemeria cut flowers during their transport to market.