Pre-harvest calcium sulfate application improves postharvest quality of cut rose flowers

Abstract

The quality of cut rose flowers at the postharvest stage is affected by pre-harvest conditions. The present study was conducted to examine the possible involvement of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) in regulation of rose flower senescence. Roses (Rosa hybrida L.) cultivars ‘Cool Water’ and ‘Pretty Blinda’, were treated with either water or CaSO₄ at 200 mg L^-1 containing 0.01% Tween 20, three times (1, 3 and 5 days) pre-harvest. CaSO₄ treatment promoted bud opening and delayed senescence. The treated flowers stayed turgid and continued their initial postharvest growth for longer periods of time. CaSO₄ spray increased calcium (Ca) content of stems, leaves and petals of flowers and suppressed ethylene production and ion leakage with age.

Key words: CaSO₄, ethylene, ion leakage, longevity, Rosa hybrida