Balanced zinc nutrition enhances the antioxidative activities in Oriental lily cut-flower leading to improved growth and vase quality

Zinc (Zn) being an activator of certain enzymes, can regulate antioxidative activities and enhance the vase-life of cut-flowers. This greenhouse study on zinc nutrition of Oriental lily was performed with four levels of zinc, 0, 3, 6 and 9 mg Zn kg−1 of soil media, applied after two weeks of lily bulbs plantation. Maximum plant height, internodal distance, and leaf area were recorded at 6 mg Zn kg−1 soil media. Floral attributes, viz., flower-bud diameter, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, stalk length, stalk diameter, fresh and dry weight of nine flowers per treatment also showed the maximum response at 6 mg Zn kg−1. Earlier flower initiation, extended vase-life, lesser weight loss of flower, greater membrane integrity, content of chlorophyll and protein were recorded at 6 mg Zn kg−1. Photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, relative water contents and net assimilation rate were higher at 6 mg Zn kg−1 dosage. Antioxidant enzymes, viz., SOD, POD and CAT in cut-flowers also remained at the maximum with this medium dose of zinc. This study concludes that zinc applied at 6 mg kg−1 is suitable dose for enhancing the plant growth, floral vase-life and quality of lily cut-flower.