Influence of some chemical anti-transpirant agents on vase-life of Monstera deliciosa leaves

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the influence of anti-transpirants, Mg2CO3, Na2CO3 and glycerol, at four concentrations (2, 4, 6 and 8%) on prolonging vase-life of Monstera deliciosa cut leaves. Each treatment was applied as spray three times on 2, 4 and 6 days after cutting of leaves. The results significantly revealed that glycerol at 2 or 4% extended vase-life of M. deliciosa cut leaves by 7-fold of the control (7 days). Glycerol treatment at 2 or 4% showed the lowest value of leaf weight reduction rate, as well as water loss rate, which obviously reflected on extending leaf vase-life. The response of glycerol on prolonging leaf vase-life was accompanied by a decrease in the degradation of pigments and protein as well as decrease in enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and this correlated with decreasing leaf water loss.