Abstract: The preserving effect of SA(50 ml·L^-1 SA+2% sucrose) on cut rose was investigated in contrast to the effect of 8-HQC(300 ml·L^-1 8-HQC+2% sucrose ) The results showed that the preserving effects of SA treatment was similar to that of 8-HQC treatment Compared with deionized water treatment,the two preservatives significantly decreased the respiration rate,alleviated the moisture stress and the membrane injure,improved the decorative quality of cut flower in vasing duration and lengthened the holding-vase life for 3 days SA treatment made the cut roses more colorful and ornamental than that 8-HQC treatment.

Key words: Cut rose, Preservation mechanism, Salicylic acid(SA), 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate(8-HQC)