Combination of Different Concentrations and Application Methods of Melatonin: Controls postharvest spoilage, maintains quality, and extends shelf-life of Cut Rose Flowers

To date, various preservative solutions and chemicals have been introduced to extend the postharvest longevity of cut flowers, and research in this field holds significant economic and horticultural importance. In this study, the response of cut rose flowers to different application methods and concentrations of melatonin was investigated. The experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design, with two treatment methods: short-term (pulse) and continuous application, using different concentrations and five replications per treatment. In the short-term (pulse) method, the samples were placed in a melatonin solution for a specified duration after re-cutting, and then each sample was transferred to a vase solution. The pulse treatments included melatonin concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 mM, each applied for 30 minutes. Additionally, the 0.5 mM melatonin concentration was applied for 2 and 4 hours. Continuous treatments were applied at three concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM) until the end of the vase life. The results indicated that melatonin treatments had a significant effect on vase life compared to the control. The longest vase life was observed with the 0.1 mM pulse treatment. It appears that melatonin application helps reduce ion leakage. Exhibited superior retention of water uptake, relative moisture content, chlorophyll, and carotenoid levels. The greater effectiveness of the pulse treatment compared to the continuous treatment may be attributed to the sensitivity and instability of melatonin.