The effect of chemical treatments (silver thiosulfate and putrescine) on vase life and quality of cut Chrysanthemum morifolium (Ram.) flowers

Abstract

The effect of silver thiosulfate (STS) and putrescine was studied on the vase life and quality of cut chrysanthemum in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design. The experimental factors were composed of silver thiosulfate at four levels (0 or control, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 mM) and putrescine at three levels (0 or control, 150 and 300 ppm). The results showed that the application of STS at the rates of 0.05 and 0.1 mM improved vase life of cut chrysanthemum. Also, putrescine at the 150 and 300 ppm improved vase life by increasing relative weight and decreasing wilting percentage. The interaction of the two studied factors was insignificant for most traits including wilting percentage and vase life, which may imply that the application of either substance alone suffices to improve postharvest quality and it is not necessary to use them simultaneously in the preservative solution.