A Composite Vase Solution Using Silicon (Si) and Other Preservatives Improved the Vase Quality of Cut Lily (<i>Lilium</i> 'Siberia') Flowers

Abstract

As a famous high-grade cut flower, the ornamental value and the marketability of lilies (Lilium spp.) are restricted by their short vase life in water. Previous reports have shown that silicon (Si) and several preservatives are able to improve the postharvest performance of cut flowers. However, the optimal combination of Si and one selected preservative to improve the vase quality of cut lily flowers was unclear. In this study, therefore, we investigated the synergistic effects of Si and one of five preservatives (water only, CaCl2, sugar, 8-HQS: 8-hydroxyquinolin sulfate, and CA: citric acid) on the vase quality of cut lily flowers 'White Siberia'. It was found that a preservative alone (except sugar) could significantly increase the longevity of vase life, delay the water loss rate, and reinforce the antioxidant defense system (i.e., improve total phenols, total flavonoids, and major antioxidant enzymes, as well as reduce ROS-reactive oxygen species accumulation), compared with the cut stems cultured in water only. However, the maximum flowering diameter was not affected. More importantly, these mentioned synergistic effects were more pronounced when the Si was supplemented. The simultaneous use of Si and 8-HQS was the optimal combination for an improved postharvest performance and improved vase quality, among the 10 treatments. Taken together, a composite vase solution using Si and 8-HQS may be a recommended nutrition strategy to enhance the competitiveness of marketed cut lily flowers.