Borage leaf extract improves the vase life of cut gladiolus flowers by delaying the senescence process and reducing water stress

Quality of cut flowers is always associated to vase life at the consumer. In previous studies, novel preservative postharvest treatments have been tested to prolong vase life and commercial quality. The aim of this work was to study the potential use of borage (Borago officinalis L.) leaf extract as natural vase life enhancer for cut gladiolus flowers. Borage leaf extracts (BE) applied as 1 %, 2 %, 3 % and 4 % (v/v) in vase solutions extended the vase life from 6.2 to 13 d. We recorded a concentration of BE at 3 % significantly improved the number of open flowers, the floret diameter, the relative fresh weight, chlorophyll and carotenoid content. BE showed antioxidant properties, as they decreased oxidative stress and reduced the lipid peroxidation as demonstrated by the malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentrations and membrane stability index (MSI). Postharvest treatment with BE boosted proline content in cut gladiolus, indicating a reaction that was associated with the alleviation of water stress. BE application improved total soluble proteins, sugars and phenols in the florets resulting in prolong of the vase life. Bacterial count was reduced in BE treated vase solutions depicting less proliferation of bacteria at stem ends and hence reduced stem blockage. The best postharvest performance was obtained by the BE at 3 %. The promising results of current experiments, may be suggested as potential postharvest treatment to prolong the vase life of sword lily.