Vol. 8, Issue 4, Part F (2022)

Abstract
In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of pre-and/or post-harvest boric acid treatment at two different doses (150 and 300 ppm) on the plant growth, flower quality and vase life of Belem white lily and purple flora gladiolus varieties. In the study, the lily bulbs and gladiolus corms had covered with chitosan before planting then stratification was applied at 4-5 ^oC for 4 weeks lily bulbs and 6 weeks gladiolus corms. After stratification, the plants had taken to the growing condition, and boric acid was applied after leaf emerging. According to the results of the study, it was found that boric acid treatments did not any significant effect on the plant development characteristics of the white lily. However, it was determined that 300 ppm BoA treatment increased the plant height, bud diameter, number of blooming flowers, and number of the bulblet, whereas 150 ppm BoA treatment had a decreasing effect on the bottom stem diameter, the number of buds, and the amount of chlorophyll SPAD. In the gladiolus plant, while the 150 ppm BoA application caused a decrease in plant height, it was found to be effective in increasing the vase life with the periodic, cumulative, and total blooming number of flowers. For this reason, it was determined that the 150 ppm BoA treatment can be used to prolong the vase life of the gladiolus. In the study, it was found that 300 ppm BoA treatment reduced the weight loss of the flowers and increased water intake. In contrast, this application led to the lightening of the leaf color and the loss of chlorophyll, resulting in shortened vase life of the flowers. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of 300 ppm BoA is not suitable for extending the vase life of the gladiolus.