Extending the vase life of cut chrysanthemum flowers with herbal extracts

The chemical holding solution is widely used in extending vase life of cut flowers. Some chemicals are unsafe and not ecologically friendly. This research was aimed to investigate the effect of water extracts of herbs on extending the vase life of cut chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora, yellow standard type) flowers. There were six treatments with and without 5% sucrose applied to the holding solution, including reverse osmosis water (RO water: control), 200 mg L^‑1 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (HQS), 0.5% sodium carbonate (SC), 200 mg L^‑1 crude extract of Mentha cordifolia leaves, 200 mg L^‑1 crude extract of Eryngium fetidum leaves, and 200 mg L^‑1 crude extract of Zingiber officinale rhizomes. Cut chrysanthemum flowers were performed at 25±1°C and the changes of flowers quality were determined every day. Results showed that the longest vase life of flowers was 18.2 days with HQS. The vase life of flowers holding in solution of E. fetidum, Z. officinale, SC, RO water, and M. cordifolia was 10.8, 9.2, 8.8, 6.2, and 5.4 days, respectively. The holding solution with sucrose did not significantly increase the vase life. The long vase life of cut flowers related to the high rate of solution uptake and relative fresh weight. These results indicated that the holding solutions with crude extract of E. fetidum could be used to prolong the vase life of cut chrysanthemum flowers.