EN
Plant species grown for florists' green are gaining importance as the foliage component becomes an increasingly important part of cut flower arrangements. Not only new plants are being tested but also the researchers are seeking treatments to improve their keeping qualities. Senescence of cut leaves is distinct from the senescence of cut flowers and commercial preservatives used to prolong the vase life of cut flowers may not always be suitable for cut foliage. Senescence is strongly modulated by plant hormones and we have shown the considerable benefits of applying them to cut leaves and shoots in increasing their postharvest life. Our results prove that in order to elaborate a method aiming at increasing the postharvest quality of cut leaves, it is necessery to test their response to different growth regulators, their concentrations and application methods. For example, in case of Hosta sp. a pulse treatment or a brief postharvest dip in a solution of the synthetic cytokinin BA can increase the vase life of leaves 5-10 times as compared to the water controls, while Ga₃ considerably extends the display life of cut leaves of Zantedeschia aethiopica.