Cut Flower Vaselife is Little-affected by Lipoxygenase Inhibitors

Abstract

A survey of seven known lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors showed that 0.1 mm DHN in a vase solution extended ‘Royalty’ rose vaselife by 2.5 days. Phenidone (PHE) did not enhance rose vaselife. Subsequent experiments showed no effect or a decrease in vaselife from both PHE and DHN application on roses, gladioli, and carnations. Sugar source and pH of the solution did not influence the effectiveness of the inhibitors on carnations. Carnations previously held without water for 24 hr showed only a minor increase in vaselife (2.6 days) from application of a vase solution containing 0.1 mm PHE. The commercial usefulness of LOX inhibitors in floral preservatives is therefore questionable. Chemical names used: 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone (phenidone); 1,5-dihydroxy-naphthalene (DHN).