Effect of Aspirin and Sucrose on Vase Life of Cut Ross

Abstract

Christian Dior cut roses were vased in holding solutions containing 5% sucrose together with 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm aspirin at room temperature (28.4 ^oC and 69.1% RH). The results showed that cut roses in the holding solution containing 300 ppm aspirin +5% sucrose had the longest vase life of 7.42 days while those in tap water had vase life of 3.83 days. Cu roses in the holding solution had less blueing and bent neck, larger size of blooming, higher rate of water uptake and weight increase than those in tap water. Cut roses in the holding solution containing only 5% sucrose with pH adjustment to 4.0 equalizing to that of the holding solution containing 300 ppm aspirin +5% sucrose, their vase life was shorter than those kept in the holding solution. This suggests that the role of aspirin in extending the vase life of cut roses is a germicide aside from lowering pH of the holding solution.