Methyl jasmonate and long term storage of fresh cut peony flowers

Methyl jasmonate currently is being evaluated by many postharvest researchers on a variety of horticultural crops. It has been shown to be beneficial in maintaining and prolonging the postharvest life of several crops. Fresh-cut peony flowers can be stored for long periods, although storage disease is a problem. A study was conducted to determine whether methyl jasmonate would lessen the incidence of storage disease in peonies, Paeonia lactiflora. Fresh-cut 'Shawnee Chief peony flowers were harvested at the prescribed bud stage. Flowers then were treated with a pulse of silver thiosulphate and floral preservative (STS-FP) or no treatment. Half the flowers then were stored in polyethylene bags containing an absorbent pad with methyl jasmonate applied to it. Flowers were evaluated at 6, 8, and 10 weeks of cold storage at 0 degreesC. Disease incidence and flower performance were recorded. At 6 weeks, the methyl jasmonate and STS-FP treatment resulted in the lowest disease incidence over all plant parts. At 8 weeks, methyl jasmonate improved the open vase life of the flowers, and at 10 weeks, methyl jasmonate-treated flowers were larger.