Preharvest application of citric acid is a novel method to extend the vase life of cut flowers. In this greenhouse research, three levels of citric acid (0, 0.075, 0.15 percent v/v) and three levels of malic acid (0, 0.075, 0.15 percent v/v) were sprayed two times during growth period in a randomized factorial design with three replications. The factorial analysis results indicate that level of 0.15% citric acid had increased the vase life from 13.1 to 14 days (α≤0.01). In the ANOVA analysis of treatments (considering each combinations of factorial design as a treatment) this was more highlighted as the best treatment being 0.15% citric acid with mean vase life of 14.33, followed by CA %0.15 + MA %0.15 (14 Days); CA %0 MA %0.15 (13.83 Days), all comparing with control with vase life of 11.83 days (α≤0.01). Malic acid factor did not affected significantly on vase life of cut flowers directly although chlorophyll content was increased significantly. The interaction effect between citric acid and malic acid on vase life and chlorophyll content proved significant. The treatment in third place with vase life of 13.83 Days had only MA (%0.15) and was statistically different from control. Another interesting observation was the effect of citric acid on bulbil weight which had decreased from 8.5 in 0% level of citric acid factor to 2.9 gr in 0.075% citric acid (α≤0.01). Based on the results we can confirm the effect of pre-harvest citric acid spray on vase life of Lilium, which was previously reported on Tuberose.

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