Calcium Nitrate Foliar Spray Enhances Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Activity, Improving Rose Vase Life

Subject Areas : Journal of Ornamental Plants

Saeed Khosravi ¹ , Leyla Cheheltanan ² , Ali Tehraifarn ^{3 *} , Amir Hossein Khoshgoftarmanesh ⁴

1 - Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 - Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
3 - Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
4 - Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

Received: 2025-03-13 Accepted : 2025-04-26 Published : 2025-07-16

Keywords: Calcium nutrition, Growth, Photosynthesis, Membrane integrity, Postharvest quality,

Abstract :

Increasing photosynthesis is crucial for enhancing growth, also boosting antioxidant activity is essential for improving the quality and vase life of roses. This study evaluates how foliar application of calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂) at different concentrations affects photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and vase life in roses to achieve this objective. In a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete design, the 'Samurai' and 'Jumilia' rose cultivars were subjected weekly to three concentrations of Ca(NO₃)₂: 0 mg/L (control), 80 mg/L, and 160 mg/L. The results showed that a 160 mg/L Ca(NO₃)₂ improved photosynthesis by 23.3% in 'Jumilia' and 35.3% in 'Samurai' providing evidence of enhanced growth traits in both rose cultivars. Additionally, the application of 160 mg/L Ca(NO₃)₂ increased transpiration, which subsequently led to higher calcium concentrations in the leaves and petals of 'Samurai' (by 2.9- and 2.5-fold, respectively) and 'Jumilia' (by 1.9- and 1.6-fold, respectively). The use of 160 mg/L Ca(NO₃)₂ elevated the activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, leading to a 10.4% and 13.6% increase in the membrane stability index in 'Samurai' and 'Jumilia', respectively, which resulted in an increase in vase life by 4.33 and 4.03 days for 'Samurai' and 'Jumilia', respectively. Overall, applying 160 mg/L Ca(NO₃)₂ enhanced flower quality and boosted antioxidant enzyme activity, resulting in prolonged vase life for both rose cultivars.

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