Effect of warm water on postharvest quality of cut rose (Rosa hybrida L.) flowers

Abstract Rose is an ornamental plant, which constitutes one of the leading cut flowers in the world. The vase life of cut Rosa hybrida L. flowers is truly short. We examined the effect of various temperatures and different time duration factors on postharvest longevity, and some other physic-biochemical characteristics and antioxidants activity. Fresh cut Rosa hybrida L. flowers were treated by water with various temperatures (23º, 42º, 47º, and 52°C) and different time duration (5, 10, 15, and 20 min). Maximum vase life (7.52 days) was related to cut flowers that were treated with 52°C for 15 min. Minimum vase life (4.46 days) was observed in cut flowers that were treated with 42°C for 5 min. Treatment of cut flowers by water with the temperature of 52°C for 15 min induced the highest water absorption, petal’s anthocyanin, and leaf’s chlorophyll. The lowest ethylene production was also obtained in cut flowers treated with 52°C for 15 min. The use of warm water (52°C) for 15 min clearly extended the vase life and most traits pertaining to the vase life of cut Rosa hybrida L. flowers.