Effects of salicylic acid and malic acid on vase life and bacterial and yeast populations of preservative solution in cut gerbera flowers.

ABSTRACT This study tested effects of salicylic acid (SA) and malic acid (MA) on vase life of cut gerbera flowers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of levels of salicylic acid (0, 1 & 2 mM) and malic acid (0, 2 & 4 mM) to extend the appearance quality of cut flowers ( Gerbera jamesonii cv. , Dune , ). Data were analyzed with SPSS software; means comparison was performed using the Duncan test. Parameters of dry weight, bacterial and yeast populations in preservative solution, stem curvature and flower diameter were evaluated. Results demonstrated that a flower’s vase life when held in a solution containing 1 mM SA and 2 mM MA was significantly higher than that of the control treatments. This result suggests the potential for applications of SA and MA as substitutes for chemicals commonly used in preservative solution for gerbera cut flowers. Keywords : cut flower, preservative solution, organic acid INTRODUCTION Gerbera jamesonii is found in the South African Transvaal and Natal Provinces and in Swaziland; however