Extending the Vase Life of Carnation with Different Preservatives

In this research were analyzed effects of different concentrations of 5-sulfosalicylic acid (5-SSA), essential oil of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) (EOs) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) on extending carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) vase-life. For this purpose trial were conducted using a factorial test based on completely randomized design with six replications. The treatments of this experiment consisted of 5-SSA (1, 2, 3,4 and 5 mM), essential oils Thymus vulgaris (50,100,150 and 200 mg L-1) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) (0, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 mM). Evaluated traits consisted of flower longevity, ACC-oxidase activity (ACO), anthocyanin leakage, microbial population, SPAD value, water uptake, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Assays of MDA content. Results of this experiments showed that the microbial population of vase solution which treated with essential oils Thymus vulgaris and 5-sulfosalicylic acid were lower than other treatments. ACC-oxidase activity, anthocyanin leakage and the vase life of cut flowers significantly affected by 5-sulfosalicylic acid treatment, in comparison with control so that this treatment had better effect than control. It is distinguished that silver nitrate treatment had the best effect on fresh weight (%), followed by 5-sulfosalicylic acid treatment, respectively.