Abstract :
In order to improve the postharvest quality and the export ability
of cut rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cvs. Happy Hour and Bordeaux, the effect
of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) as an ethylene inhibitor, was investigated.
1-MCP was used at 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 g m-3 for 18 h at 8 °C to simulate
the transport of flowers. 1-MCP treatment significantly prolonged the vase
life and minimized the weight loss of both cultivars compared to the
control, however the response of Happy Hour cultivar was higher than the
Bordeaux cultivar. 1-MCP treatment enhanced the relative water content
(RWC) of flowers. The treatment of 1-MCP significantly retarded the
degradation of chlorophyll and carbohydrate contents during vase life
evaluation in both cultivars. The ethylene production was significantly decreased
by applying 1-MCP treatment. The membrane stability index (MSI)
was maintained while malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased in response
to 1-MCP treatment. The best treatments in this concern were 1-MCP at 0.4
and 0.5 g m-3 for Happy Hour and Bordeaux cultivars, respectively. 1-MCP
treatment was recommended to inhibit the negative effects of ethylene on
rose cultivars tested.
