Statistical analysis
Data were subjected to analysis of variance, means were compared using the "Least Significant Difference test (New LSD) at 0.01 and 0.05 levels, using M-STATE software package (1987).
RESULTS
Vase life
Data in Table 1 showed that in both seasons, all foliar applications significantly increased the vase life of treated leaves, as compared to the control (Figure 1). The cut leaves treated with glycerol at 4 or 2 % has the highest values of vase life among all the other treatments.
Leaf water loss
Anti-transpirants have been proposed as a method to reduce water loss, and enhance the water status of plants. Data in Table 2 showed that the effect of using foliar treatments by glycerol, MgCO3 and Na2CO3 at different concentrations, decreased the rate of leaf water loss as compared to control. The best results were obtained from glycerol treatment either at 2 or 4% in both seasons and sodium carbonate at 4% and 8% in the first and second seasons, respectively comparing with control.