Efficacy of 5-sulpho salicylic acid to improve vase life of gladiolus

Abstract

Gladiolus is one of the most important bulbous cut flowers in domestic and international market. The commercial cultivation of gladiolus in India is increasing in terms of area, production and market. Due to rapid urbanization, change in life style, mall culture consumption of flowers has increased significantly. The longevity of cut flowers is one of the main challenges of florists today. Because, one the most important factors for consumers, apart from its external quality, is vase life of cut flower. The longevity of gladiolus cut flowers is very short. The typical vase life of individual spike is just 4 to 6 days depending upon cultivar. Therefore, the present study was carried out at the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi with an objective of identifying new eco friendly chemical for increasing the vase life of gladiolus cv. Gunjan. The experiment consisted of eight treatments (three chemicals in different combinations) and replicated thrice. From the present studies it was observed that 5 sulpho salicylic acid @ 1 mM SAA+ 4% Sucrose (T4) increased the vase life of cut flowers up to 9.11 days as compared to control (5 days) and the treatment T4 was statistically at par with T7 (400 ppm 8-HQC). So, it can be concluded that 5 sulpho salicylic acid is a very good alternative of 8HQC, as it is a cost-effective chemical, easily available and environmental friendly.