Journal of Chemical Health Risks
Journal of Chemical Health Risks (2016) 6(3), 153–160
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
The Effect of Non-Harmful Compounds Environmentally (Eucalyptus and Rosa damascena essences) on Vase Life and Some Physiological Characteristics of Gerbera Cut Flowers
Leila Khosravi1, Nahid Rood1, Atoosa Danyaei2, Mehrdad Babarabie*3, 4 1Former student of Shariaty Technical College and Current students of Shirvan Higher Education Center 2 Ph.D Horticultural Sciences, Shariaty Technical College‚ Technical & Vocational University‚ Tehran‚ Iran 3 Ph.D. Student of Ornamental Plants, Department of Horticulture, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran 4Young Researchers and Elite Club, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran
(Received: 16 January 2016 Accepted: 9 March 2016)
ABSTRACT: In this study, Gerbera (Cv. alain ducasse) cut flowers were treated with essences of Eucalyptus and Rosa damascena at a concentration of 200 mg l-1 and their effects on the vase life KEYWORDS of flowers and some qualitative characteristics were evaluated. This research was a completely
Gerbera; randomized design with factorial arrangement. Maximum vase life was obtained for flowers Healthy compounds; treated with the Eucalyptus essence (10 days) and the lowest vase life was related to the control (7 Vase life 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 non-hazardous for the environment, appropriate to increase the vase life of Gerbera cut flowers.
INTRODUCTION
Gerbera jamesoniioni cut flowers is one of the most Gerbera flowers, these flowers have a short vase life, important cut flowers in the world and one of the which is mostly because of wilting occurs [2]. world’s top ten flowers [1]. Despite the popularity of
∗ Corresponding author: [email protected] (M. Babarabie).
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Stem end blockage is an important factor in lack of against both types of bacteria. Low pH increases balance between water uptake and its loss from cut hydrophobic of some essential oils such as thyme and flowers [3]. There are three types of stem end blockage phenolic compounds of oleuropein [10]. for cut flowers. Microbial type is resulted by bacteria The essences of thyme, cinnamon, parsley, mint [11], activity and its production. Physiological type is resulted Eucalyptus [12] have an inhibitory effect on pathogens by wound [2] and physical type is due to formation of air growth. Kavoosi et al., in their study on Tuberose cut bubbles [4]. In addition to the blockage, microorganisms flowers used Eucalyptus essences at concentrations of can secrete pectolytic enzymes and toxic compounds or 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg l-1 stated that Eucalyptus essences produce ethylene; hence, accelerate senescence [5]. The increased the vase life [13]. Treatment of tomato and vase life of cut flowers increases by a variety of strawberry with cumin and Eucalyptus essences reduces antimicrobial compounds such as silver thiosulfate and product spoilage and breathing, maintains firmness, and hydroxy quinoline citrate [6]. In recent years, the use of increases the shelf life of fruit [12]. Hejazi and Gan silver thiosulfate has been limited. Since silver as a reported the use of 500 mg l-1 of essences of australian heavy metal is toxic for the environment. Therefore, laurel and cinnamon increases the vase life of Gladiolus researchers tend to find new safe or less toxic materials cut flowers [14]. to protect and enhance the vase life of cut flowers [7]. Rosa damascena is the most important species of rose Herbal essences are safe, natural and environmentally for the production of perfumes, essences and rose water, friendly materials. The essences are chemically complex used as aromatic substances in perfumes and cosmetics that different types of chemical compounds including industries, as well as its medicine effect used in the hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, etc. involved in their pharmaceutical industry [15]. The petals of this plant combination [1]. Herbal essences due to high levels of contain flavonoid and essence. The most important plant phenolic compounds exhibit strong antimicrobial effects flavonoid compound contains anthocyanins and essences against some risk factors [8]. such as citronellol, linalool, geraniol, farnesol and Essential oils are complex chemical compounds found in terpenes [16]. The searches conducted on the effects of plant. These materials are chemically heterogeneous and essences and extracts of R. damascena on vase life of cut mixture of different compounds. Essential oils are flowers have not been reported. generally belonging to terpenes chemical group. Eucalyptus has more than 700 species. This plant has Essential oils are volatile substances, are usually many uses in pharmaceutical, perfume and industry and insoluble in water or hardly dissolve, but they are has antimicrobial properties. The major components of solvable in alcohol and other organic solvents. These its essential oil are cineole, alpha-pinene and farnesyl compounds usually have spicy smell and taste and their acetate [17]. specific weight is often less water [9]. Antimicrobial To compare the chemical and physical treatments nano effect of essential oils depends on hydrophobic property silver and thyme, lavender and Eucalyptus essential oils and solubility in cytoplasmic membrane of in preservative solution of Gerbera cut flowers were microorganisms. Essential oils change the permeability used [1]. The results indicated that Eucalyptus essential of the microorganism's membrane and cause the lack of oil (25 mg L-1) compared to nanosilver (3 and 5 ml L-1) protons, phosphate and potassium inside the cell. Effects increased vase life. Besides, Mirdehghan et al. used of essential oils against gram-positive bacteria are silver nitrate and Savory, Ajwain, thyme essential oils greater than Gram-negative bacteria, but some essential on Rose cut flowers. They reported that although silver oils such as thyme and clove essential oils are effective nitrate inhibited the production of ethylene, but essential
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oils reduced wilting of flowers and leaves. Essential oils including the petal wilting after 50%, and the bent neck could be used in preservative solution of cut flowers, were considered (19). To measure the fresh weight, a without any harmful effects of chemical compounds digital scale was used on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. For this [18]. purpose, in each replication a flower to measure the The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fresh weight and flower diameter were selected and essence of Eucalyptus and R. damascena on vase life evaluated until the end of the experiment. For measure and some qualitative traits of Gerbera cut flowers to the stem diameter, a digital caliper on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and delay the senescence, increase of longevity and replacing 9 was used. For measurement of total soluble solids, 0.5 them with dangerous chemicals extrusion. g of petals was separated and pulverized in a mortar and its extract was obtained after crushing it. Then, Brix MATERIALS AND METHODS degree of obtained extract was read by a handle
Gerbera flowers, Alain ducasse cultivar, were purchased refractometer on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 manually. Solution from the greenhouse of Mr. Banaie located in Pakdasht, uptake was measured per replications using a graduated Tehran, and were transported to the laboratory of the cylinder on days 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Measurement of the Faculty of Shariati Tehran in a good packaging (rackets bent neck were performed using a conveyor through an and cellophane). Cut flowers were recut with the length angle difference between the stem and the vertical line of 30 cm. Treatments include Eucalyptus essence and on days 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 and the results were recorded. Rosa damascena essence at concentration of 200 mg L-1. This experiment was in a factorial design based on a Distilled water was used as control treatment. Plant completely randomized design with 3 replications. Data essences were purchased from Barij Essence Company. were analyzed using SAS software, graphs were drawn To determine the best concentration and its use in this using Excel software, and the comparisons were experiment, at first one pre-test was performed based on performed with LSD test. some other investigation of the essences of Eucalyptus RESULTS and R. damascena at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg L-1 and the concentration of 200 mg L-1 was chosen. Analysis of variance showed that the treatment effect on This experiment was to increase the quality and vase life vase life was significant (P<0.01) at the 1% level (Table of Gerbera cut flowers in laboratory conditions with 1). The effects of treatment, time and interaction temperatures during the experiment period of 20 ± 2 ° C, between treatment and time on fresh weight, total humidity of 60 ± 5% and a light intensity of 400 lux soluble solids, solution uptake and bent neck were using fluorescent lamps with a photoperiod of 12 h. significant at 1% level. The effect of treatment and time Measured traits included vase life, fresh weight, stem on stem diameter was significant, but interaction diameter, total soluble solids, solution uptake and bent between treatment and time was no significant (Table 2). neck. To measure the vase life of flowers, some items Table 1. ANOVA of treatment on vase life of cut Gerbera
S.O.V df Vase life
Treatment 2 7 ns Error 6 1.66 Cv - 15.49
ns no significant differences
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Table 2. ANOVA of effect treatment and time on measured traits of cut Gerbera
S.O.V df Fresh weight Stem diameter Total soluble solids Solution uptake Bent neck
Treatment 2 45.75* 0.004ns 0.31** 799.13** 137.91**
Time 4 392.93** 0.02** 4.36** 87.06** 13.73**
Treatment*Time 8 50.16** 0.002ns 0.08** 22.07** 6.19**
Error 30 9.36 0.002 0.005 1.12 0.65
Cv - 18.9 7.65 5.24 5.16 14.72
** Significant differences at 1%, * Significant differences at 5% Vase life
The results of comparison of data mean showed that the Eucalyptus essence (10 day) and control (7 day), maximum and minimum of vase life were related to respectively (Figure 1).
12 a 10
ab 8 b
6
4 Vase life (day lifeVase 2
0
Treatmen
Figure 1. Effect of Eucalyptus and R. damascene essence on vase life of Gerbera cut flowers
Fresh weight
The results of mean comparison of data showed that the Eucalyptus essence (Table 3). Trend of weight changes maximum fresh weight was observed in treatments of showed that it was rising until the third day but after that, it was placed in the descending mode (Figure 2).
Table 3. Mean comparison the effect of Eucalyptus and Rosa damascena on measured traits of Gerbera cut flowers
Treatment Fresh weight Stem diameter Total soluble solids Solution uptake Bent neck
Control 16.54ab .60ab 1.22b 14.85c 9.10a Rosa damascena 14.29b .61a 1.47a 18.10b 3.73b Eucalyptus Essence (200 mg) 17.73a .58b 1.47a 28.80a 3.66b
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25
20
15
10 Fresh weight (g) weight Fresh 5
0
Time (day)
Figure 2. Changing process of fresh weight of Gerbera cut flowers during the experiment
Stem diameter
The results of mean comparison of data showed that the R. damascena essence (Table 3). In addition, the trend of maximum stem diameter was related to the treatments of stem diameter changes showed that the maximum stem diameter was obtained until the fifth day and then stem diameter was declined (Figure 3).
2.5 2 Stem diameter (cm) 1.5 Total soluble solids (%) 1 0.5 0
Time (day)
Figure 3. Changing process of stem diameter and total soluble solids of Gerbera cut flowers during the experiment
Total soluble solids Solution uptake
The mean comparison of data showed eucalyptus and R. The results of the mean comparison of data showed that damascena essences increased petals total soluble solids the maximum and minimum of solution uptake were compared to the control (Table 3). Moreover, measured obtained in the Eucalyptus essence treatment and control total soluble solids decreased after the first day to the (Table 3). Trend of changes of solution uptake showed last day (Figure 3). that the solution uptake by flowers increased until four days and after that, it was placed in the descending mode
(Figure 4).
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30 25 20 15 10 5
Solution uptake (ml/l)uptake Solution 0
Time (day)
Figure 4. Changing process of solution uptake of Gerbera cut flowers during the experiment
Bent neck
The results of the mean comparison of data showed that treatment and Eucalyptus essences, respectively (Table the maximum and minimum of bent neck were obtained 3). In addition, the bent neck had an upward trend over in the control the time (Figure 5).
7
6
5 4 3
2 Bent neck (degree) neck Bent 1 0
Time (day)
Figure 5. Changing process of bent neck of Gerbera cut flowers during the experiment DISCUSSION
The results showed that the essences of Eucalyptus and Microorganisms that grow in water containers cause the R. damascena increased vase life, fresh weight and closure of the vascular system and reduce the quality of solution uptake of Gerbera that was in accordance with cut flowers that consequently, solution uptake and fresh Kavoosi et al.’s [13]. They reported that the use of weight of flower are also reduced. Antimicrobial effect Eucalyptus essence in the protective solution increased of essential oils depends on hydrophobic property and the vase life, fresh weight and solution uptake of solubility in cytoplasmic membrane of microorganisms. tuberose cut flowers. One of the major problems of cut Essential oils change the permeability of the flowers is their short life. Therefore, the uses of methods microorganism's membrane and cause the lack of that preserve the quality and increase the vase life of protons, phosphate and potassium inside the cell. Effects flowers have a special status. One of the common of essential oils against gram-positive bacteria are methods to maintain cut flowers is the use of different greater than Gram-negative bacteria, but some essential preservative solution [20]. In this research, we used oils such as thyme and clove essential oils are effective essences of Eucalyptus and R. damascena. against both types of bacteria. Low pH increases
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hydrophobic of some essential oils such as thyme and flowers preservative solution. Although substances such phenolic compounds of oleuropein [10]. In this study, as essential oils are complex compositions, but using the positive performance of herbal essences can be them in preservative solutions of cut flowers because of attributed to their antimicrobial activity that these the facilities and the capacity to produce them in large characteristics are associated to the phenolic compounds quantities in the country of Iran as well as the lack of and alcohols, aldehydes, ketones and hydrocarbons [5]. risk is justified. It is also recommended that the essences By increasing storage time, stem diameters and flower of Eucalyptus and R. damascene be investigated for diameter reduced. The results showed that R. damascena other concentrations. caused maintenance the diameter of flower stem, but ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Eucalyptus essence reduced stem diameter. The use of ajowan essence in the vase solution of Rose cut flower The authors would like to thanks management and caused to maintain stem diameter; however the thyme laboratory staff of Shariaty Technical College. The essence reduced stem diameter (18). Therefore, it seems authors declare that there is no conflict of interests. that the effect of herbal essences on the stem diameter is different. REFERENCES The changes trend of total soluble solids of petals 1. Ikani N., Kalateh Jari S., Abdoosi V., Hasanzadeh A., showed that the used treatments did not prevent early Goseinzadeh S., 2013. Effect of nanosilver and plant decline of total soluble solids, although the essences of essences on some of postharvest morphological and Eucalyptus and R. damascena slightly increased the physiological characteristics of cut Gerbera. Plant value of this parameter. The presence of soluble Ecophysiological Researches of Iran. 8(3), 47-57. carbohydrates in petals reduces the water potential and 2. He S., oyce D.C., Irving D.E., Faragher J.D., 2006. thus enhances the solution uptake [21]. Stemend blockage in cut Grevillea inflorecences. One of the major post-harvest problems of Gerbera cut Postharvest Biol Technol. 41, 78-84. flowers is bent stem and on the other word is bent neck 3. Van Doorn W.G., Dhort K., 1994. Interaction between [22]. The results indicated that the use of essences of the effects of bacteria and dry storage on the opening Eucalyptus and R. damascena could reduce neck bent and water relations of Rose cut flowers. App Bacteriol. effects. One factor, which can cause bent neck, is the 77, 644-649. vascular occlusion caused by bacteria and losing the 4. Van Meeteren U., Arevalo-Galarza L., Van Doorn water balance in the cut flower. The essences used in W.G., 2006. Inhibition of water uptake after dry storage this study have reduced bent neck by unblocking of Chrysanthemum cut flower. Postharvest Biol Tchnol. vascular probably due to their antimicrobial activity. 41, 70-77.
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