Influence of nocturnal supplemental lighting and different irrigation regimes on vase life and vase performance of the hybrid rose ‘charming black’

Preharvest conditions, including photoperiod and irrigation regime, affect the keeping quality of long stem roses (Rosa x hybrida). Rose plants of the cultivar ‘Charming Black’ were subjected to four different treatments to investigate how nocturnal supplemental lighting and different irrigation regimes influence post-harvest performance. Vase life, ornamental quality, water balance, petal color, vacuolar pH, soluble sugar content, and soluble protein content were investigated in this study. Treatment with nocturnal supplemental lighting extended the vase life and increased the daily ornamental value in cut roses. In addition, flowers grown under nocturnal supplemental lighting and without irrigation had significantly improved flower color and ornamental value and the highest values for soluble sugar content and soluble protein content. Withholding irrigation under supplemental lighting promoted maintenance of the water balance, which prolonged the vase life of the cut flowers. This study illustrates that supplemental lighting is helpful in extending the vase life of cut roses and that a non-irrigation regime under supplemental lighting results in the most promising physiological and biochemical responses.