Effects of 1-MCP and ethylene on preservation of quality and vase life of Alstroemeria (cvs. Hercules and Mayfair) cut flowers

In order to improve the vase life characteristics and postharvest quality of Alstroemeria cut flowers cv. Hercules and Mayfair, the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and ethylene have been investigated in a completely randomized design with three replications. First, cut flowers were fumigated at 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 µL L-1 of 1-MCP concentrations for 24 h and then exposed to 1 µL L-1 of ethylene for 18 h. This experiment was conducted at 20 ± 2°C, 60-65% RH, and a 12/12 h light/dark photoperiod. The results showed that 1-MCP treatment significantly increased postharvest durability in both cultivars, compared to the control. Also, results of 1-MCP treatment on leaf chlorophyll index in both cultivars, confirmed the role of 1-MCP in preventing external ethylene action as the main factor of Alstroemeria leaf yellowness. Based on data, Mayfair cultivar was more sensitive to ethylene in comparing to Hercules cultivar, although 1-MCP treatment reduced the active oxygen species in both cultivars by reducing biosynthesis and ethylene action or by direct increase in antioxidant enzyme activity.