The main reason for the loss of ornamental value in climacteric cut flowers is sensitivity sensitivity to ethylene. This work focused on the efficiency of post-harvest treatment with free polyamine Spermine (Spm) to extend the vase life of cut rose flowers as an anti-ethylene. Spm treatment was applied at the rates of 0, 1, 2 and 4 mM. Some morphological and physiological characteristics of tested cut roses (Rosa hybrid cv. Dolce vita) such as Flower Diameter (FD), Water Uptake (WU), Relative Fresh Weight (RFW), Electrolyte Leakage (EL), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Vase Life (VL) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System software by performing analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by LSD Test at P = 0.05. The effects of pulsing application of polyamine on the mentioned traits were significant and treatment with Spm effectively delayed the senescence of roses, especially when applied in the 4 mM concentration. Polyamine was also demonstrated notable decrease in the petal EL due to its cationic and anti-peroxidative character leading to extend the vase life of the flowers. In addition to their anti-ethylene property, the cationic character of polyamines plays an important role in determining the vase life of cut flowers.
