Synergistic Effects of Methyl Jasmonate and Sucrose on Vase Life of Cut Narcissus Flowers

Narcissus is widely used as a cut flower worldwide due to its attractive color, aesthetic appearance, and pleasant fragrance. However, its vase life is relatively short. Therefore, developing appropriate treatments to improve postharvest longevity is important. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different MeJA concentrations and sucrose combinations on the vase life of cut narcissus flowers. In this context, a total of eight different vase solutions were prepared: control [(distilled water) T1], control + sucrose [T2], 0.1 mM MeJA [T3], 0.1 mM MeJA + sucrose [T4], 0.25 mM MeJA [T5], 0.25 mM MeJA + sucrose [T6], 0.5 mM MeJA [T7], and 0.5 mM MeJA + sucrose [T8]. Vase life (days), relative blooms per scape (%), relative fresh weight (%), daily water uptake (g scape⁻¹) and total water uptake (g scape⁻¹) parameters were examined in narcissus flowers throughout their vase life. The results showed that the longest vase life was obtained from T4 (10.7 days), T2 (10.3 days), and T6 (10.0 days), respectively. Sucrose-containing vase solutions were found to be more effective in extending vase life compared to sucrose-free solutions. T2 and T4 treatments, in particular, were effective in reducing fresh weight loss and increasing water uptake. Although sucrose-containing solutions increased the blooming rate, the difference among treatments was found to be statistically insignificant. In conclusion, sucrose-containing vase solutions played an important role in maintaining water balance and extending vase life in cut narcissus flowers. Furthermore, the findings suggest that a 0.10 mM dose of MeJA can potentially be used to increase the vase life of narcissus flowers.