Use of Citric Acid and Iron Sulfate in Promoting Post-Harvest Longevity of Cut Tulips (Tulipa Gesneriana L. Cv. Marylin) in Vase Solutions

Tulip is one of the most beautiful perennial flowering plants which, based on its brilliance and attraction, is ranked at the top among cut flowers. However, bending of the neck, short display life and senescence of the flowers are the major causes that reduce its market value. These problems can be addressed by using different chemicals to prolong the flower display life. The present research was initiated to prolong the display life of tulips by using citric acid and iron sulfate (50, 100, 150 mgL⁻¹) in distilled water containing 2.5% sucrose. Cut stems of tulips were immersed in the diluted solution of citric acid and iron sulfate. The results showed that all the observed parameters varied among the treatments. The solution containing 100 mgL⁻¹ citric acid performed better and resulted in the most extended post-harvest display life (13.34 days), more solution uptake (63.36 mL), maximum flower diameter (57.66 mm), maximum tepal length, width, minimum stem bending and maximum quality of the flower. These characteristics were better also in 150 mgL⁻¹ iron sulfate vase solution, but less effective in comparison. From these results, it can be concluded that the use of citric acid and iron sulfate vase solutions helps in prolonging the vase life of cut tulips and enhances the flower quality attributes.