Phytostimulants influence the vase life of Heliconia psittacorum CV. golden torch

•Applying plant stimulants can influence positively heliconia quality.•Enzymatic activity is influenced in postharvest.•Phosphite application influences the SOD activity.•Stimulants applied in pre-harvest influences postharvest quality. Many factors influence postharvest quality of tropical flowers, including preharvest management of the plants. Also, oxidative stress is a major factor for determining quality during vase life, as it reflects complex chemical and physiological changes in the plant. The present study aimed to assess the influence of phytostimulants applied to Heliconia psittacorum cv. Golden Torch in quality maintenance during the vase life of this species. Bion®, Agro-Mos®, Quartz®, Ca - Fosfitotal® (calcium phosphite) and K - Fosfitotal® (potassium phosphite) were applied in the field. The flower stems used during the experiment were harvested in the morning to assess the visual aspect, fresh matter loss, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation and the soluble carbohydrates and peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities and total soluble phenolic compounds. Fosfitotal® maintained of stem quality of Heliconia during vase life. Fosfitotal®, especially K - Fosfitotal®, resulted in the best scores for the visual aspect, reduced electrolyte leakage and less lipid peroxidation. These results were confirmed with the quantifications of the enzymes peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase and total soluble phenolic compounds. Field treatments, with phytostimulants can maintain the stem quality Heliconia during vase life.