Pre and post-harvest effect of gibberellic acid and salicylic acid on cut branches of Asparagus umbellatus

Efeito pré e pós-colheita de ácido giberélico e ácido salicílico em ramos cortados de Asparagus umbellatus

Abstract

Asparagus umbellatus is one of the most popular cut foliage plants that widely used in decorations and bouquets. However, there was a lack of information concerning Asparagus postharvest handling. Therefore, in this study, two growth regulators gibberellic acid (GA) and salicylic acid (SA) on concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 400 μM were applied in two stages viz., pre and postharvest, separately and in combination. Experimental traits including; chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, solution uptake, microbial population, relative water content (%), malondialdehyde content, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activity along with plant vase life were evaluated. The results showed that the application of GA and SA lead to significantly extension of the vase life compared to the control. Vase life difference between control (9.34 days) and the superior treatment i.e. GA₂₀₀+SA₂₀₀ (14.07 days) was more than 50%. Also, the pre-harvest foliar application of GA and SA increased the vase life slightly compared to the application in vase solution. The extended vase life in the per-harvest experiment was obtained using SA₁₀₀+GA₁₀₀ and SA₂₀₀+GA₂₀₀ treatments.

Keywords:
asparagus; enzymatic activity; growth regulators; vase life