Method for increasing the flowering of cut flowers and / or the longevity of cut flowers

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods for increasing the flowering and / or longevity of cut flower buds by exposing the cut flowers to a solution of oxytocin and / or variants and / or derivatives thereof.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This document is directed to the field of agriculture and to methods for increasing the flowering of cut flowers and / or the longevity of cut flowers. [Background technology]

[0002] The availability of cut flowers is increasing as the transportability of flowers over long distances improves. However, cut flowers are a very perishable product with a very short life cycle, therefore efficient logistics and processes along the supply chain from origin to destination are crucial to ensure rapid delivery while preserving the quality of the flowers. According to Union Fleurs, cut flowers lose 15% of their value per day along the supply chain.

[0003] Therefore, there is a demand and a need to extend the life of cut flowers. Furthermore, cut flowers are usually harvested before the buds open. A common problem with cut flowers is that the buds do not open completely or at all, resulting in an unattractive appearance of the flowers.

[0004] There is therefore a need to provide improved means for increasing the longevity and / or flower bud opening of cut flowers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide improved means for increasing the longevity, freshness and / or flower bud opening of cut flowers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure therefore relates to a method for increasing the flowering of cut flower buds and / or the longevity of cut flowers, said method comprising: a) providing a solution comprising oxytocin, e.g., an aqueous solution of oxytocin; b) exposing the stem ends of the cut flowers to the solution.

[0007] The concentration of oxytocin can be about 0.05 to about 30 μM, for example, about 0.05 to about 20 μM, for example, about 0.1 to about 20 μM, for example, about 0.5 to about 20 μM, for example, about 1 to about 20 μM, for example, about 5 to about 20 μM, for example, about 5 to about 15 μM, or about 10 μM.

[0008] Cut flowers can be exposed to a solution containing oxytocin for a period of about 6 hours or more, for example, about 6 hours to about 30 days, about 6 hours to about 20 days, about 6 hours to about 19 days, about 1 day to about 19 days, about 3 days to about 19 days, for example, about 1 day, about 2 days, about 3 days, about 4 days, about 5 days, about 6 days, about 7 days, about 8 days, about 9 days, about 10 days, about 11 days, about 12 days, about 13 days, about 14 days, about 15 days, about 16 days, about 17 days, about 18 days, about 19 days, or about 20 days.

[0009] Cut flowers can be exposed to a solution containing oxytocin at a temperature of about 1 to about 25°C, for example, about 1 to about 20°C, about 1 to about 15°C, about 1 to 10°C, 5 to about 10°C, about 10 to about 15°C, about 20 to about 25°C, or about 20 to about 22°C.

[0010] The solution containing oxytocin may have a pH of about 1 to about 9, for example, about 2 to about 8, about 2 to about 7, about 2 to about 6, about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 4, about 3 to about 5, about 3 to about 4, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

[0011] The method may be carried out during the first exposure of the stems of cut flowers to water after harvest.

[0012] The cut flowers may be roses.

[0013] Instead of or in addition to using oxytocin (SEQ ID NO: 1), it is possible to use fragments and / or variants of oxytocin of SEQ ID NO: 2, which have oxytocin activity, wherein SEQ ID NO: 2 is X1-X2-X3-X4-Asn-Cys-X5-X6-X7-X8-NH2 and During the ceremony, X1 is selected from the group consisting of Cys and "nothing"; X2 is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Phe, and "none"; X3 is selected from the group consisting of Ile, Val, Hoph, Phe, Cha, and "none"; X4 is selected from the group consisting of Gln, Ser, Thr, Cit, Arg, and Daba; X5 is selected from the group consisting of Pro and "absent"; X6 is selected from the group consisting of Ile, Leu, "not present", Val, Hos, Daba, Thr, Arg, and Cit; X7 is selected from the group consisting of Gly, "absent", and Ala; X8 is selected from the group consisting of Gly and "absent."

[0014] The present specification also provides the use of a solution comprising oxytocin and / or a fragment and / or a variant thereof as described herein for increasing the longevity of cut flowers and / or the flowering of buds. Effect of the Invention

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, examples, and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the sum of the different evaluation scores for roses (cultivar: Upper Class) treated with oxytocin at concentrations of 0 μM, 1 μM, 2.5 μM or 10 μM in a cold room as described in Example 1, at 4, 9, 15 and 20 days after being placed in fresh tap water and placed in a home-like environment. [Figure 2A]FIG. 1 shows the average scores for each criterion for roses (cultivar: Upper class) treated with oxytocin at concentrations of 0 μM, 1 μM, 2.5 μM or 10 μM in a cold room as described in Example 1, at 4, 9, 15 and 20 days after being placed in fresh tap water and placed in a home-like environment. [Figure 2B] Same as above. [Figure 2C] Same as above. [Figure 2D] Same as above. [Figure 2E] Same as above. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 shows the degree of bud flowering in roses (cultivar: Furiosa) in a home-like environment after pretreatment with oxytocin at concentrations of 0 μM, 0.1 μM, 1 μM, or 10 μM for 0.25 days, 1 day, or 3 days in a cold room as described in Example 2. [Figure 3B] Same as above. [Figure 3C] Same as above. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows the number of days that roses (cv. Furiosa) pretreated with oxytocin, as described in Example 2, maintained a bud opening score of greater than 1.5 (30% of full opening) after being placed in tap water and transferred to a home-like environment. [Diagram 5] Figure 3 shows the scores after visual evaluation of the appearance of bouquets of roses (variety: Belle Rose) from day 0 to day 16 after transfer to a home-like setting in tap water after oxytocin pretreatment in a cold room (according to Figure 6) in Example 3. A score of 30 means that all roses are well developed, fresh, and standing upright in the vase (i.e., not drooping), and a score of 0 means that the roses were wilted and would not have been saleable. Crysal is a flower nutrition product that is often sold with cut flowers. [Figure 6]Representative photographs of the effect of pretreatment with oxytocin in a cold room on roses (cv. Belle Rose) 13 days after transferring the flowers to a home-like environment in fresh tap water in Example 3. From left to right: Chrysal + 10 μM oxytocin; Chrysal + 5 μM oxytocin; Chrysal + 1 μM oxytocin; Chrysal; tap water. Chrysal is a flower nutrition product that is often sold with cut flowers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] definition In the context of this specification, "longevity" in the expressions "increasing the longevity of cut flowers", "increased longevity of cut flowers" and the like means extending the time during which cut flowers have a fresh appearance, i.e. the time before they wilt. This may include increasing the freshness of cut flowers, i.e. the time during which the flowers have a fresh appearance, e.g. the time during which the petals, sepals and / or leaves have a fresh appearance.

[0018] In the present context, "bud opening" refers to the opening of cut flower buds. In the present context, the term "increasing bud opening" refers to an increase in the number of buds that open, more complete opening of the buds, larger opening of the flowers, and / or more appealing looking petals and / or sepals.

[0019] In the context of this specification, "cut flower", "cut flowers" and the like contemplate not only cut flowers but also ornamental foliage, i.e. all kinds of plants that are usually used in bouquets.

[0020] In the context of this specification, the term "oxytocin" intends oxytocin having the following chemical structure:

[0021] [ka]

[0022] Whenever "oxytocin" is referred to herein, this term is intended to encompass fragments and / or variants (such as homologues) of oxytocin that have biological activity comparable to the oxytocin molecule itself (SEQ ID NO:1).

[0023] Thus, the "variants" of oxytocin referred to herein refer to peptides whose amino acid structure has been altered compared to the oxytocin molecule in that they have been modified by introducing other amino acids at some amino acid positions, such as the positions of the natural or non-natural amino acids exemplified herein, or have been extended by adding one or more natural or non-natural amino acids at either end of the peptide. Furthermore, other structural variations, such as synthetic modifications, may be made to the peptides of the invention referred to herein. Said "variants" still maintain the same biological activity as oxytocin, and said oxytocin variants are also stabilized by their presence in the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention.

[0024] Furthermore, a "fragment" of oxytocin as referred to herein is a peptide comprising a portion of the amino acid sequence of oxytocin, where one or more amino acids may be removed from one or both of the amino acid termini. The term also refers to fragments of the oxytocin variant defined in SEQ ID NO:2, which means that any fragment of the peptide represented by SEQ ID NO:2 is encompassed by the present invention.

[0025] Thus, as used herein, fragments and / or variants of oxytocin of SEQ ID NO: 2 are understood to be: X1-X2-X3-X4-Asn-Cys-X5-X6-X7-X8-NH2 During the ceremony, X1 is selected from the group consisting of Cys and "none"; X2 is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Phe, and "none"; X3 is selected from the group consisting of Ile, Val, Hoph, Phe, Cha, and "none"; X4 is selected from the group consisting of Gln, Ser, Thr, Cit, Arg, and Daba; X5 is selected from the group consisting of Pro and "absent"; X6 is selected from the group consisting of Ile, Leu, "not present", Val, Hos, Daba, Thr, Arg, and Cit; X7 is selected from the group consisting of Gly, "absent", and Ala; X8 is selected from the group consisting of Gly and "absent."

[0026] The unnatural amino acids listed above have the following structures: Cyclohexylalanine (herein referred to as Cha)

[0027] [ka]

[0028] Homophenylalanine (herein referred to as Hoph)

[0029] [ka]

[0030] Citrulline (herein referred to as Cit)

[0031] [ka]

[0032] Diaminobutyric Acid (herein referred to as Daba)

[0033] [ka]

[0034] Homoserine (herein referred to as Hos)

[0035] [ka]

[0036] In this specification, normal room temperature means a temperature within the range of about 20°C to about 25°C.

[0037] Detailed Description The inventors have surprisingly found that oxytocin can be used to increase the flowering of cut flower buds and / or the longevity of cut flowers by exposing the cut flowers to oxytocin after harvest.

[0038] Thus, the present document discloses a method for increasing the flowering of cut flower buds and / or the longevity of cut flowers, said method comprising: a) providing a solution containing oxytocin (e.g., an aqueous oxytocin solution); b) exposing the stem ends of said cut flowers to said solution. Includes.

[0039] By increased longevity it is meant that the life cycle of a cut flower, e.g. a very sensitive cut flower, is extended, e.g. the cut flower remains aesthetically appealing for a longer period and / or to a greater extent. Increased longevity may be manifested by the petals, sepals and / or leaves of the cut flower having a fresher appearance or remaining fresh for a longer period.

[0040] Furthermore, increased longevity may be manifested as a decrease in the degree of flower curl or the number of curled flowers (i.e., less drooping).The use of oxytocin therefore increases the time it takes for cut flowers to wilt.

[0041] By increased bud opening is intended, for example, that the flower buds open more and / or that the buds open more fully, that the flowers open more widely, and / or that the petals and / or sepals appear more attractive.

[0042] Typically, cut flowers are exposed to a solution containing oxytocin by placing the flowers in the solution such that at least the cut end of the stem is covered by the solution.

[0043] Cut flowers can be exposed to a solution containing oxytocin when they are first placed in water after harvesting and / or at a later time by immersing them in the solution containing oxytocin. In the commercial trade of cut flowers, cut flowers are generally freeze-dried immediately after harvesting and / or stored in a cool place for transportation and are not placed in water until later. Placing cut flowers in a solution containing oxytocin when they are first placed in water after harvesting can therefore be considered a pre-treatment, which results in an increased longevity of the cut flowers, as demonstrated in the experimental section. Alternatively or additionally, cut flowers can be exposed to a solution containing oxytocin at a later stage in the life cycle of the cut flowers, thus achieving increased longevity.

[0044] Thus, cut flowers may be immersed in a solution containing oxytocin at any point in the supply chain until they are discarded. It may be preferred to carry out the method at least when the stems of said cut flowers are first exposed to water after harvesting and / or freeze-drying.

[0045] Cut flowers are typically exposed to the solution containing oxytocin for 1 hour or more, for example, at least 5 hours, for example, at least 6 hours, for example, from about 6 hours to about 30 days, from about 6 hours to about 20 days, from about 6 hours to about 19 days, from about 1 day to about 19 days, from about 3 days to about 19 days, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 days.

[0046] The concentration of oxytocin is typically at least 0.05 μM, for example at least 0.1 μM or at least 1 μM, for example, about 0.05 to about 30 μM, about 0.05 to about 20 μM, about 0.1 to about 20 μM, about 0.5 to about 20 μM, about 1 to about 20 μM, about 5 to about 20 μM, about 5 to about 15 μM, or about 10 μM, for example, about 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 μM.

[0047] Cut flowers are typically exposed to a solution containing oxytocin at a temperature of about 1 to about 35°C, for example, about 1 to about 25°C, about 1 to about 20°C, about 1 to about 15°C, about 1 to about 10°C, about 5 to about 10°C, about 10 to about 15°C, about 20 to about 25°C, or about 20 to about 22°C, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26°C.

[0048] The pH of the solution containing oxytocin may be any value as long as it does not harm cut flowers. Typically, the pH is about 1 to about 9, for example, about 2 to about 8, about 2 to about 7, about 2 to about 6, about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 4, about 3 to about 5, about 3 to about 4, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

[0049] The solution containing oxytocin may consist of oxytocin and water, such as tap water. However, it is also possible to add further substances to the solution containing oxytocin, such as substances that are commonly added to improve the health and longevity of cut flowers.

[0050] As demonstrated in the experimental section (see Examples 1-3), treatment of cut flowers with oxytocin when they are first placed in water after harvesting increases the flowering of the buds and / or the lifespan of the cut flowers. After this pretreatment with oxytocin, the cut flowers are transferred to a home-like environment, i.e., placed in normal tap water at room temperature, and the appearance of the cut flowers over time is observed. Surprisingly, it was found that cut flowers exposed to oxytocin have an increased lifespan and / or increased flowering of the buds. Thus, oxytocin has been shown to exert its effect even after the cut flowers are placed in normal tap water without oxytocin, i.e., only oxytocin is used as a pretreatment.

[0051] Instead of or in addition to oxytocin, it is possible to use fragments and / or variants of oxytocin of SEQ ID NO: 2 which have oxytocin activity. Here, SEQ ID NO:2 is X1-X2-X3-X4-Asn-Cys-X5-X6-X7-X8-NH2 where: X1 is selected from the group consisting of Cys and "none"; X2 is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Phe, and "none"; X3 is selected from the group consisting of Ile, Val, Hoph, Phe, Cha, and "none"; X4 is selected from the group consisting of Gln, Ser, Thr, Cit, Arg, and Daba; X5 is selected from the group consisting of Pro and "absent"; X6 is selected from the group consisting of Ile, Leu, "not present", Val, Hos, Daba, Thr, Arg, and Cit; X7 is selected from the group consisting of Gly, "absent", and Ala; X8 is selected from the group consisting of Gly and "absent."

[0052] Examples of such oxytocin fragments or variants are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 24. When such fragments and / or variants of oxytocin are used, the concentrations of said fragments and / or variants may be as specified herein for oxytocin. Furthermore, when a combination of oxytocin and its fragments and / or variants is used, the total concentration of oxytocin and its fragments and / or variants may be as specified herein.

[0053] The present specification also relates to the use of oxytocin and / or a fragment and / or variant thereof as defined herein for increasing the flowering of cut flower buds and / or the longevity of cut flowers.

[0054] The cut flowers exposed to the solution containing oxytocin can be any type of cut flower. For example, the cut flower can be a rose. Other cut flowers that can be exposed to the solution containing oxytocin and / or its fragments and / or variants as defined herein include, for example, tulips, carnations, lilies, asters, orchids, ornamental leaves, etc.

[0055] The invention is further described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims. EXAMPLES

[0056] Example 1: Effect of oxytocin on the longevity of cut flowers The stems of newly delivered roses (variety: Upper Class) were cut (1 cm from the bottom of the stem) and then placed in buckets of water containing different doses of oxytocin (see Table 1 for doses) and kept in a refrigerator for 18 days. Each treatment group contained four roses.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] The roses were then transferred to a home-like environment at normal room temperature. The stems of the roses were cut again and the roses were placed in individual vases filled with tap water.

[0059] The appearance of the roses was evaluated at 4, 9, 15, and 20 days after transfer to a home-like environment according to the criteria shown in Table 2. The evaluation criteria were the degree of bud opening (i.e., the degree of flower turn-out), the degree of drooping (i.e., how curved the stem was), the freshness of the petals, the freshness of the sepals, and the freshness of the stems and leaves. Each evaluation criterion was scored from 1 to 5 as indicated. The average score based on all evaluation criteria was also calculated.

[0060] [Table 2]

[0061] The results show that treatment with oxytocin at doses between 1 and 10 μmolar positively affected all individual assessments as well as the composite score (see Figures 1 and 2, respectively).

[0062] Example 2: Effect of oxytocin on flowering of roses of the cultivar 'Furiosa' The stems of freshly delivered roses (cv. Furiosa) were cut (1 cm from the bottom of the stem) and then placed in buckets of water containing different doses of oxytocin (0, 0.1, 1, or 10 μM) and kept in a refrigerator for 0.25, 1.3, and 19 days. Each treatment group contained nine roses.

[0063] The roses were then transferred to a home-like environment at normal room temperature. The stems of the roses were cut again and the roses were placed in individual vases filled with tap water.

[0064] The appearance of the roses was evaluated on days 0, 4, 7, 12, 15, 18 and 20 according to the criteria shown in Table 2 (see Example 1). The evaluation criteria were the degree of bud opening (i.e., the degree of flower turn-out), the degree of drooping (i.e., how the stem curved), the freshness of the petals, the freshness of the sepals, and the freshness of the stems and leaves. Each evaluation criterion was scored from 1 to 5 as described. The average score based on all evaluation criteria was also calculated.

[0065] The results show that oxytocin increased the degree of flowering of the buds, especially at the 10 μM dose. This effect was more pronounced after 3 days of oxytocin treatment than after 6 hours (see Figure 3). Furthermore, the period during which the roses remained fresh and attractive increased in response to oxytocin, especially at 10 μM oxytocin (see Figure 4).

[0066] Example 3: Effect of oxytocin on the longevity of roses of the cultivar 'Bellrose' The stems of freshly delivered roses (variety: Belle Rose) were cut (1 cm from the bottom of the stem) and then placed in buckets of tap water or tap water containing different doses of oxytocin (0, 1, 5, or 10 μM in the presence of Chrysal) and kept in a refrigerator for 3 days. Each bucket contained 8–9 roses.

[0067] The roses were then transferred to a home-like environment at normal room temperature. The stems of the roses were cut again and the bouquet was placed in a vase filled with tap water.

[0068] The appearance of the roses was evaluated according to the criteria shown in Table 2 on days 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, and 13 after placement in a home-like environment (see Example 1). The evaluation criteria were the degree of bud opening (i.e., the degree of flower turn-out), the degree of drooping (i.e., how the stem was bent), the freshness of the petals, the freshness of the sepals, and the freshness of the stems and leaves. Each evaluation criterion was scored from 1 to 5 as indicated. The average score based on all evaluation criteria was also calculated.

[0069] The results show that oxytocin increased the level of flowering, especially at the 10 μM dose. Furthermore, the period during which roses remained fresh and attractive increased in response to oxytocin, especially at 10 μM oxytocin (see Figures 5 and 6). Exemplary aspects of the invention are described below. <1> 1. A method for increasing the flowering of cut flowers and / or the longevity of cut flowers, comprising: a) providing a solution comprising oxytocin, e.g., an aqueous solution of oxytocin; b) exposing the stem ends of said cut flowers to said solution. The method includes: <2> The concentration of oxytocin is about 0.05 to about 30 μM. <1> The method according to <3> The concentration of oxytocin is about 0.05 to about 20 μM. <1> or <2> The method according to <4> The concentration of oxytocin is about 0.1 to about 20 μM, for example, about 0.5 to about 20 μM, about 1 to about 20 μM, about 5 to about 20 μM, about 5 to about 15 μM, or about 10 μM. <1> ~ <3> 2. The method according to claim 1 . <5> The cut flowers are exposed to the solution containing oxytocin for a period of about 6 hours or more, for example, about 6 hours to about 30 days, about 6 hours to about 20 days, about 6 hours to about 19 days, about 1 day to about 19 days, about 3 days to about 19 days, for example, about 1 day, about 2 days, about 3 days, about 4 days, about 5 days, about 6 days, about 7 days, about 8 days, about 9 days, about 10 days, about 11 days, about 12 days, about 13 days, about 14 days, about 15 days, about 16 days, about 17 days, about 18 days, about 19 days, or about 20 days. <1> ~ <4> 2. The method according to claim 1 . <6> the cut flower is exposed to the solution containing oxytocin at a temperature of about 1 to about 25° C., for example, about 1 to about 20° C., about 1 to about 15° C., about 1 to 10° C., 5 to about 10° C., about 10 to about 15° C., about 20 to about 25° C., or about 20 to about 22° C.; <1> ~ <5> 2. The method according to claim 1 . <7> The pH of the solution containing oxytocin is about 1 to about 9, for example, about 2 to about 8, about 2 to about 7, about 2 to about 6, about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 4, about 3 to about 5, about 3 to about 4, for example, about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, or about 9. <1> ~ <6> 2. The method according to claim 1 . <8> The method is carried out during the first exposure of the stems of cut flowers to water after harvesting, <1> ~ <7> 2. The method according to claim 1 . <9> The cut flower is a rose. <1> ~ <8> 2. The method according to claim 1 . <10> The oxytocin comprises or consists of one or more of the following: <1> ~ <9> 2. The method according to claim 1, (i) Oxytocin represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fragment thereof (ii) A variant of oxytocin represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, or a fragment thereof, having oxytocin activity. Here, SEQ ID NO:2 is X1-X2-X3-X4-Asn-Cys-X5-X6-X7-X8-NH2 and During the ceremony, X1 is selected from the group consisting of Cys and "none"; X2 is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Phe, and "none"; X3 is selected from the group consisting of Ile, Val, Hoph, Phe, Cha, and "none"; X4 is selected from the group consisting of Gln, Ser, Thr, Cit, Arg, and Daba; X5 is selected from the group consisting of Pro and "absent"; X6 is selected from the group consisting of Ile, Leu, "not present", Val, Hos, Daba, Thr, Arg, and Cit; X7 is selected from the group consisting of Gly, "absent", and Ala; X8 is selected from the group consisting of Gly and "absent." <11> The oxytocin comprises oxytocin represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof, or consists of oxytocin represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof. <1> ~ <10> 2. The method according to claim 1 . <12> The oxytocin comprises an oxytocin variant or a fragment thereof represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 having oxytocin activity, or consists of an oxytocin variant or a fragment thereof represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 having oxytocin activity. <1> ~ <11> 2. The method according to claim 1 . <13> The solution is an aqueous solution. <1> ~ <12> 2. The method according to claim 1 . <14> The aqueous solution does not contain any solvent other than water. <13> The method according to <15> <10- to increase the longevity of cut flowers and / or flowering of buds <14> 2. Use of a solution comprising oxytocin and / or a fragment and / or variant thereof as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

Claims

1. 1. A method for increasing the flowering of cut flowers and / or the longevity of cut flowers, comprising: a) providing a solution comprising oxytocin; b) exposing the stem ends of the cut flowers to the solution. The method includes:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the concentration of oxytocin is 0.05 to 30 μM.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the concentration of oxytocin is 0.05 to 20 μM.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concentration of oxytocin is 0.1 to 20 µM.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cut flowers are exposed to the solution containing oxytocin for a period of at least 6 hours.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cut flowers are exposed to the solution containing oxytocin at a temperature between 1 and 25°C.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pH of the solution containing oxytocin is from 1 to 9.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method is carried out during the first exposure of the stems of cut flowers to water after harvesting.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cut flowers are roses.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the oxytocin comprises or consists of oxytocin represented by SEQ ID NO:

1.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the solution is an aqueous solution.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the aqueous solution does not contain any solvent other than water.

13. Use of a solution containing oxytocin to increase the longevity and / or flowering of cut flowers.

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