The effect of different preservative solutions on the vase life of cycad's cut foliages and some of its physiological changes

The overall increase in the consumption of the cut foliage plants in the recent years is an indication of their aesthetical and job making significance. Cycad is one of the most important cut foliage plants with several decorative uses. In order to increase the vase life of Cycad cut foliages, an experiment was carried out based on the CRD design with three replications. Four different levels of Gibberellins and benzyl adenine (each with 0, 50, 100, & 150 Ppm concentrations) treatments were applied in a mutual experimental statistical design. AgNo3 (with the fixed concentration of 40 Ppm) and sucrose (with the fixed concentration of 3%) were used in all, except for the control, treatments. The parameters analyzed in the present study included: the vase life, the external quality, the total amount of soluble solid, and the fresh and dry weights of Cycad leaf. The results indicated that Gibberellins positively increased the vase life of cut foliages, their external quality, and the total soluble solid. It also delayed the decreasing of the fresh weight. Although it was not anticipated, the application of high concentrations of benzyl adenine decreased the vase life of Cycad's cut foliages. The best treatment was the one with Gibberellins at 50 Ppm without benzyl adenine, which increased the vase life of Cycad‟s cut leaves up to 101 days; a record for cut foliage vase life in Iran. The treatment with Gibberellins at 100 Ppm without benzyl adenine also increased Cycad‟s vase life up to 90 days. The highest amounts of the total soluble solid and fresh weight were obtained during these two treatments. In addition, the external quality of leaves was better kept during preservation time and the demolition of the cut foliage was slower compared to the other treatments.