Influence of Holding Solutions, Refrigerated Dry Storage and Packing Material on Keeping Quality of cut flowers of Gladiolus Variety Yellow frill

摘要

Gladiolus variety 'Yellow frill' was cultivated in the kharif season during 2003 and 2004 on vertisol at the Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar. The cut flowers were studied for strategies to improve the floral characteristics and vase life of the spikes. Preservation of the cut spikes in floral preservatives containing sucrose 4% + Al (S0_4)_3 + Na O Cl 25 ppm or sucrose 4% + Dichlorphene 50 ppm significantly increased the longevity of the cut flowers. The refrigerated dry storage for 6- 12 days also improved the flower quality and vase life of gladiolus. Polythene or cellophane sleeves were the ideal packing material for storage in fiber-boards for 24 - 48 hours to prolong the shelf life of the flowers with substantial improvement inincreasing the floret size and percentage of open flowers.