Effects of exogenous 6-BA and GA3 on vase life and postharvest physiology of Anthurium andraeanum cut flowers

Anthurium andraeanum is a prominent cut flower species widely cultivated for ornamental purposes. To investigate the effects of exogenously applied plant hormones on postharvest longevity and senescence in cut flowers, a preservative solution containing sucrose and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) was supplemented with varying concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and gibberellic acid (GA3). Changes in fresh weight, antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and chlorophyll levels were systematically monitored. Both 6-BA and GA3 treatments significantly extended vase life, enhanced antioxidant capacity, reduced MDA accumulation, and delayed chlorophyll degradation. The most pronounced effect was observed with 30 mg·L−1 6-BA, which extended vase life to 25.33 d—a 14.26% increase compared to the control—while maintaining higher peroxidase (POD) activity and increasing chlorophyll content. These results provide a theoretical foundation for improving the postharvest quality and storage of A. andraeanum cut flowers.