Journal of Plant Process and Function

Tuberosa (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is one of the most important cut flowers in Iran and word wide which the increment of postharvest life of this flower is very important. In this research proline as an antioxidant compound was used in 0(control), 1 and 10 micro molar concentrations and the effects of this compound on some morphological and physiological characteristics and vase life of tuberosa cut flower were investigated. The experiments were performed in a completely randomized design with 3 replicates. Results showed the significant effect of proline on vase life of tuberosa in both concentrations. The percentage of open flower increased in both proline concentrations. Finding showed the significant decrease in the wilted percentage of flower in both concentration of proline when compared with control flowers. The abscission percentage of flower also is very lower than the control flower. In according to the results, proline in both concentrations decreased the water loss and membrane leakage and the 10µM proline had the most effect. In flowers which were treated with proline, the activity of guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and phenyalanine ammonialyase enzymes increased while the activity of polyphenol oxidase enzyme decreased. It seems that proline increment the postharvest life of tuberosa flower through the increase of antioxidant enzymes and decrease of polyphenol oxidase activity.