Abstract: The effects of a new-type bactericide, stabilized chlorine formulation, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (DICA) on vase life of cut carnations (Dianthus caryphyllus L.) were investigated. The results showed that vase solution containing 15.4 and 77.0 mg·L^-1 DICA extended the vase life by 6.0 and 6.8 d respectively. DICA treatments significantly delayed the declination of hydraulic conductance in the stems, and maintained the water uptake and fresh weight of cut carnations. However, 77.0 mg·L^-1 DICA had adverse effects on the appearance quality of cut flowers. Further studies indicated that the growth of microorganism in the vase solution of cut carnations was effectively inhibited by 15.4 mg·L^-1 DICA. Conclusively, the optimum concentration of DICA for cut carnation flowers as the vase solution was 15.4 mg·L^-1.

Key words: Cut carnation flower, Sodium dichloroisocyanurate（DICA）, Bactericide, Preservation