Influence of germicides on the physiological and biochemical changes in the flower petals during vase-life period of cut rose cv. First Red

The influence of germicides with two different concentrations were assessed to determine their effect on the physiological and biochemical changes of flower petals in relation to opening and vase-life of cut rose flowers. Among the germicide treatments, 20 ppm SHC recorded good flower opening and long vase-life. This was mainly because of decreased microbial growth in the vase solution thereby maintaining good water relations in the floral tissue. The improved water relations in the floral tissue increased the flower peduncle water potential and decreased the electrolyte leakage. Furthermore, the peroxidative changes in the floral tissue were kept under check thereby the over all changes in the CAT and POD activities were remarkably slow.