Vitamin C Spray Boosts Rose Harvests and Essential Oil Quality

Rose growers may have found an inexpensive way to boost their harvests and produce more valuable essential oils. Researchers in Iran tested the effects of ascorbic acid on rose plants, finding that it increased flower numbers and fresh petal yields by up to 25% and dry petal yields by up to 28%. The study published in BMC Plant Biology showed that applying ascorbic acid at a concentration of 200 milligrams per liter led to the greatest gains.

The researchers also found that ascorbic acid changed the chemical profile of the essential oil, introducing compounds with antimicrobial properties. This could have significant implications for the use of rose oils in fragrances, cosmetics, and traditional remedies. However, further testing is needed to determine the practical performance of these oils.

The study's findings suggest that ascorbic acid may be a useful tool for rose growers looking to improve their yields and quality. By understanding how this antioxidant affects plant metabolism, researchers can identify new strategies for enhancing crop productivity under environmental stresses.