Regulation of lipoxygenase and superoxide dismutase activities and longevity of chrysanthemum cut flowers by ethanol and methanol

Abstract

Experiments were conducted with Chrysanthemum sinense cut flowers to find out post harvest behaviour and the effect of alcohols on the vase-life as well as senescence associated changes like lipid peroxidation, lipoxygenase (LOX) and total protease activities. Attempt was also made to assess how different concentrations of ethanol and methanol (2, 4 and 6%) used as holding solutions could minimize the degradation of protein and reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. A gradual breakdown of proteins and increment in MDA content have been noticed during 6-day period. Activities of total protease and lipoxygenase registered a steady increasing trend while SOD activity exhibited a gradual decrease during the same period. Ethanol and methanol were not only effective to maintain higher values of flower diameter and moisture content but also bring about a reduction in total protease and lipoxygenase activities. Amount of proteins and SOD activity were higher in petals having alcohols as vase solutions than in controls. Our findings revealed that among all concentrations of alcohols, 2% ethanol was the best followed by 2% methanol to delay senescence and to increase the vase-life of Chrysanthemum cut flowers.