LED light improves postharvest quality and longevity of cut rose flowers 'Lovely Lydia'

This study was performed to examine the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) light treatment on postharvest quality and longevity of cut roses. After harvest, cut 'Lovely Lydia' roses were held under ultraviolet + LED light (UV+LED) in cardboard boxes at 4±1°C and 50% relative humidity (RH). Control flowers were held in the cardboard boxes without lighting system. After 48 h of transport simulation, changes in morphological and physiological characteristics of cut flowers were measured daily to evaluate the effect of the UV+LED treatment on postharvest characteristics of cut roses. UV+LED effectively extended the vase life of cut roses by 2.9 d, compared with control flowers (10.6 d). UV+LED also significantly increased flower diameter, inhibited the bacterial proliferation at cut stem ends, and improved water uptake, water balance and fresh weight of cut rose flowers. The results also showed that UV+LED decreased the stomatal size of cut roses, and consequently inhibited leaf transpiration after harvest, resulting in longer vase life of the cut flowers. These results demonstrate that the lighting system is an effective method to improve postharvest quality and longevity of cut flowers that are exported overseas.