The Effect of Non-Harmful Compounds Environmentally (Eucalyptus and Rosa damascena essences) on Vase Life and Some Physiological Characteristics of Gerbera Cut Flowers

In this study, Gerbera ( Cv. alain ducasse ) cut flowers were treated with essences of Eucalyptus and Rosa damascena at a concentration of 200 mg 1^- 1 and their effects on the vase life of flowers and some qualitative characteristics were evaluated. This research was a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement. Maximum vase life was obtained for flowers treated with the Eucalyptus essence (10 days) and the lowest vase life was related to the control (7 days). The maximum fresh weight, solution uptake, bent neck reduction were related to the Eucalyptus treatment and the maximum stem diameter was obtained with the R. damascena essence treatment. In addition, the total soluble solids in the treatment with herbal essences were increased compared to the control however, no significant difference between them was observed. Overall, for increasing the vase life and qualitative characteristics of Gerbera cut flowers, eucalyptus and R. damascena essences can be used in the vase solution. Treatments used in this experiment, as accessible compounds are healthy and nonhazardous for the environment, appropriate to increase the vase life of Gerbera cut flowers.