Cerium (Ce) supply during the tulip production improves postharvest quality parameters

Abstract Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.) is an ornamental species highly appreciated in international markets; however, it poses challenges at both the production and postharvest stages, which reduce the duration and quality of vase life. Inorganic biostimulation offers a viable alternative to face these constraints. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ce supplied in the irrigation nutrient solution during the production cycle on the postharvest quality and nutritional status of tulips cv. Jan van Nes. The Ce concentrations used were 0, 5, 15, and 25 µM. For the evaluation of post-harvest quality, flower stems of tulips were used, harvested at 49 days after sowing (DAS). Plants treated with 25 µM Ce exhibited significantly greater flower bud length throughout vase life, while the effect of 5 µM Ce was significant only from day 2 onwards. Regarding flower bud diameter, only the 25 µM Ce treatment outperformed the rest of the treatments evaluated, and this effect was observed exclusively on day 6 of vase life. In addition, they showed an increase in the contents of macronutrients, some micronutrients, and total soluble sugars in the flower. Although Ce did not increase vase life, and a dose of 25 µM caused excessive stem elongation (an undesirable condition in postharvest), it did improve other quality indicators. Thus, Ce can be used as a novel inorganic biostimulant to improve postharvest quality in tulips.