IMPROVEMENT OF VASE LIFE CUT GLADIOLUS FLOWERS BY ESSENTIAL OILS, SALICYLIC ACID AND SILVER THIOSULPHATE

Effects of the application of salicylic acid (SA) (1.5 mMol), ajowan and summer savory essential oils (500 and 1000 ppm), silver thiosulphate (STS) (150 ppm) and combinations of these materials on vase life of cut gladiolus flowers were investigated. Results of this study showed that within all treatments, SA treatment showed the best effect on the fresh weight (%), water uptake (cm 3 ) and vase life of cut flowers. Moreover, it is showed that ajowan oil at 500 ppm concentration had benefit effect on fresh weight (%) and vase life of cut gladiolus and then STS treatment had positive effect on water uptake (cm 3 ) of cut flowers.