Mahfam Hamidi Imani, Davood Hashemabadi, Behzad Kaviani and Mohammad Zarchini
Effect of sodium benzoate (0, 150, 200 and 250 mg l-1) on longevity and ethylene production of cut rose (Rosa hybrida L. cv. Avalanche) flowers was studied. Data were recorded for vase life, loss of fresh weight, ethylene production, SPAD value, Brix index, bacterial population in vase solution, flower opening index and protein content. A result revealed that 250 mg l-1 of sodium benzoate was the most effective on vase life of rose cut flowers and increased it. Also, sodium benzoate reduced ethylene production. Sodium benzoate had significant effect on other traits measured in present study.
