1643 Advances in Environmental Biology, 6(5): 1643-1649, 2012 ISSN 1995-0756 This is a refereed journal and all articles are professionally screened and reviewed ORIGINAL ARTICLE Corresponding Author LiangJun Zhao, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University Beijing 100193 P.R. China E-mail: zhaolj5073@sina.com; Tel: +86-01062733315 Impact Of Silver Thiosulfate And Sucrose Solution On The Vase Life Of Rose Cut Flower Cv. Cardinal 1 Sikandar Hayat, 1 Noor Ul Amin, 1,2 Muhammad Ali khan, 2 Tarek M.A. Soliman, 2 Ma Nan, 3 Kashif Hayat, 1 Imran Ahmad, 2 Muhammad Rezaul Kabir, 3 LiangJun Zhao 1 Department of Horticulture, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa Agricultural University Peshawar, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, Pakistan. 2 College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University Beijing 100193 P.R. China. 3 Department of Botany, Abdul Wali Khan Univeristy, Mardan, Pakistan Sikandar Hayat, Noor Ul Amin, Muhammad Ali khan, Tarek M.A. Soliman, Ma Nan, Kashif Hayat, Imran Ahmad, Muhammad Rezaul Kabir, LiangJun Zhao: Impact Of Silver Thiosulfate And Sucrose Solution On The Vase Life Of Rose Cut Flower Cv. Cardinal ABSTRACT A research study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Silver thiosulfate (STS) and sucrose on the vase life of rose cut flower CV. Cardinal, under room conditions with normal day light and natural ventilation. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. A combined solution of Silver thiosulfate (STS) with 0ppm (control), 15ppm, 20ppm, 25ppm and Sucrose 0% (control), 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% concentrations were applied to the rose cut flowers. Data collected on daily basis revealed that both STS and sucrose generally showed significant results at all concentrations. Furthermore, a chemical combination of 25ppm STS with 7.5% sucrose gave the promising results for all the parameters. Maximum flower longevity (10.12 days), flower diameter (7.01 cm), flower dry weight (4.38 g) and delayed flower opening period (6.87 days) were recorded for flowers placed in solution combination of 25ppm STS and 7.5% sucrose. Flower fresh weight was significantly increased (12.42 g) in solution having 20ppm STS and 7.5% sucrose. Likewise, solution combination of 25ppm STS and 7.5% sucrose results in a 15% less percent petal drop as compared to control (36.75%). Moreover, STS and sucrose as individual treatments also showed significant effects in some of the parameters. A significantly minimum flower percent fading (11.25%), maximum flower longevity (8.99 days), majorly delayed flower opening period (5.87 days) was recorded for flowers placed in 25ppm STS solution. In general, 7.5 % sucrose and 25ppm STS is the best considered solution combination to be used for long preserved vase life of cut rose flowers. Key words: Sucrose, Silver Thiosulphate, Vase Life, Rose Flower Introduction Rose belongs to family Rosaceae and Genus Rosa which contains more than150 species and 1400 cultivars [12]. Flowers are considered to be silent entertainers. Rose holds superiority over all other flowers as it is being extensively used for decorative purposes and is highly prized for its delicate nature, beauty, charm and aroma. In interior decoration, cut rose flowers play an important role and add charm to different occasions such as marriage ceremonies, as a symbol of sympathy, arrival and departure of dignitaries, gift on birthdays, Valentine’s Day etc. They are recognized highly valuable for economical benefits being the best source of raw material to be used in agro-based industry especially in the cosmetics and perfumery. Additionally, roses play a vital role in the manufacturing of various medicinal products and also got nutritional importance [6]. Modern scientific research has proven the key role of cut flowers specially roses in horticulture therapy [20,18]. Successful production of cut flowers and prolonged post harvest stay require appropriate pre and post harvest handling and treatments. There are about 10-30% losses due to post harvest damage in cut flowers. Under ordinary conditions, visual quality and petal turger of rose flower can remain acceptable for only a few days. Since most of the people would like to enjoy their beauty and scenery for a longer period span of time, so keeping in view the socioeconomic value of roses and its popularity as a