Efficiency of Exogenous Salicylic Acid Application on Leaf Antioxidant Capacity and Vase Life of Cut Flower Lily (Lilium Longiflorum)

In order to study the effect of salicylic acid foliar application on growth parameters and flower quality of Lilium, a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with tree replication was performed. Aqueous solutions of salicylic acid at 0.0, 50, 100 and 200 µM were sprayed to run-off on each plant and leaf MSI and antioxidant capacity attributes as well as flower vase life and water uptake were evaluated. Results showed that the highest values of measured parameters were found when plants were treated by pre harvest application of salicylic acid at 50 and 100 µM. Results also showed the deteriorative effect of salicylic acid on leaf membrane stability index. Water uptake and vaselife of pretreated flowers after storing in the water was not directly correlated to pre-treatment. Our results showed an increasing trend in MDA and H2O2 production during the time after SA spray and but the senescing process in pre-treated flowers with 50 ppm SA were lower.