EFFECT OF BENZYL ADENINE ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY AND VASE LIFE OF CRIMSON CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM INCARNATUM L.)

The effect of benzyl adenine (BA) on the postharvest quality and vase life of crimson clover cut-flowers were investigated. Freshly cut flower stems of crimson clover were pulsed in vase solutions containing 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, or 150 mg L^-1 of BA for 48 h. Then, the flowers were held in vases containing 2.5% ethanol and 3% sucrose solutions. Vases were placed in a chamber at 21°C with a relative humidity of 70%. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with three replicates. Data for vase life, fresh weight, solution uptake and total soluble solids were recorded over time. BA at 50 mg L^-1 was the most effective treatment on vase life, fresh weight, solution uptake and total soluble solids of crimson clover cut-flowers. Cytokinins, such BA have potential to enhance postharvest quality of crimson clover cut-flowers.