This study was conducted to investigate the effects of methyl jasmonate spraying on anthocyanin synthesis in florets of oriental hybrid lily cv. ’Sorbonne’ and its relationship with other qualified traits of cut flower. Two concentration of methyl jasmonate (0.2 and 0.4 mM) were separately sprayed on plants at three stages of inflorescence growth (flower buds initiation, florets length of 3 to 5 cm, and 2 to 3 days before harvest). Results showed that there was no significant difference between applied concentrations regarding postharvest characteristics. In case, there was obvious difference in traits among three stages of spraying. Spraying with methyl jasmonate didnt have any significant difference on leaf greenness over postharvest period but it could preserve higher amount of fresh weight for cut flowers in the late storage life. Other traits such as petal anthocyanin content, vase life, total soluble solid and antioxidant activity were also in the highest amount in this treatment. Methyl jasmonate spraying 2 to 3 days before harvest, may enhance flowers vase life by avoiding fresh tissue disruption due to increments in anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of petals. This may be a good way to improve flowers marketing value.
