Abstract

Abstract Alstroemeria is one of the most important cut flowers that has recently been introduced to the world. Longevity is one of the fundamental problems of Alstroemeria flowers and some materials can increase its longevity. The aim of this research was evaluating the effect of some chemical solutions on postharvest Alstroemeria (cv. stratus) cut flowers. The experiment was conducted in Horticultural lab, Agricultural College, Zanjan University and arranged on factorial based on completely randomized design with two factor of sucrose (0, 5, 10 and 15 g/l) and salicylic acid (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/l) with three replication. Longevity, leaf yellowing, solution uptake and Relative water content of leaf (RWC) was evaluated. The results of variance analysis showed that sucrose no had significant effect on traits. Effect of salicylic acid (SA) and interactions between sucrose and SA on all traits was significant at the one and five percent probability levels, respectively. The results showed that 400 mg/l SA treatment had the greatest effect on longevity, solution uptake, leaf yellowing and Relative water content of leaf. 15 g/l sucrose plus 400 mg/l SA treatment increased longevity and solution uptake. 5 g/l sucrose plus 400 mg/l SA treatment showed the least leaf yellowing and the greatest Relative water content of leaf. Kaywords: Alstroemeria, Longevity, Postharvest, Sucrose, Salicylic acid