Cut Carnation Research Articles

Cultivation and Cultural Practices Followed in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) for Better Production: A Review

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) from dicotyledonous Caryophyllaceae family is one of the important floricultural crop is cultivated all-year-around in temperate areas. In addition, the lengthy vase life of carnations may have great implications for wholesale and retail markets. It is genetically a quantitative long day plant and sensitive to temperature, which is a major factor that influences the growth and flowering, color, grade and the quality of cut flowers. Commonly grown Chaubad and Marquerite carnation are propagated by seed and other different types can be propagated through different ways of propagations like terminal cutting and tissue culture. The soil should be ploughed thoroughly up to 80-100 cm. deep and organic manure is to be mixed with soil properly. Soil sterilization should be done prior to planting. Rooted cuttings of standard carnations are planted on raised beds with a spacing of 20×20 cm and spacing of 30×30 cm is ideal for spray carnations. However, the lateral shoot development is best at a density of 50 plants/m². Apart from major nutrients like N, P and K, Ca, Mg, B and Fe also play a crucial role in carnation nutrition. Spray of 0.1% urea and potassium nitrate (KNO3) and 1 ppm Boron at 10 days interval till flowering produces good quality flowers. The plastic nets having a mesh of 7.5-10cm supported by stakes of metal fixed at the corner of beds is an ideal method. During pinching, the tip of the stem is removed to encourage the growth of the standard or Sim Carnations. Only 4-6 well grown lateral shoots will be allowed to grow. Splitting carnation flower calyces; is one of major limiting factor that affect both pre and post-harvest quality of carnation flowers. The problem of calyx splitting can be controlled by regulating temperature. Higher nitrate to ammoniacal nitrogen ratio during low light periods are recommended to reduce splitting. The optimum stage of standard carnation for distant market is paint brush stage when petals have started to elongate outside the calyx. The spray varieties are harvested with 2 open flowers on each stem. The flowers after harvesting and grading should be pulsed with 10% sucrose+1mm silver thiosulfate (STS) for 8-10hr before transportation to increase storability and vase-life of cut carnations.

Nano Silver and melatonin effectively delay the senescence of cut carnation flowers under simulated vibrational stress

ABSTRACT Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) holds great significance as a cut flower, and its vase life plays a crucial role in determining its quality and market appeal. However, the extended transportation distances from the production location to consumer markets can have an unfavourable impact on the vase life and overall quality of cut flowers. The first experiment demonstrated that exposing cut carnation flowers to simulated vibrational stress (SVS) led to a decline in vase life and overall quality. Notably, the application of Nano Silver (NS; 25 and 50 μM) and melatonin (MT; 100 and 200 μM) into the holding solution proved effective in counteracting these negative effects, and extended the vase life by promoting cut flower water relations. In the second experiment, the optimal concentrations of NS and MT into the holding solution (25 and 100 μM, respectively) effectively reduced chlorophyll degradation, electrolyte leakage, and lipid peroxidation by enhancing the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. As a result, it appears that the application of NS and MT in the holding solution has successfully prolonged vase life by both improving water balance and boosting antioxidant activity, while mitigating the negative effects of SVS.

DcEIL3-1, DcWRKY75 and DcHB30 transcription factors form an activation-inhibition module to regulate petal senescence in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

Petal senescence affects the ornamental and economic value of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.), one of the most important and typical ethylene sensitive cut flowers worldwide. Previous studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms of DcEIL3–1-DcWRKY75 transcriptional activation module and antagonistic competition between transcription factors DcWRKY75 and DcHB30 in regulating the expression of ethylene biosynthesis genes DcACS1 and DcACO1 and senescence associated genes DcSAG12 and DcSAG29 during ethylene induced petal senescence in carnation, but the regulatory mechanism among these three transcription factors is still unknown. Here, we investigated the transcriptional regulation network between these three transcription factors, and found that DcWRKY75 and DcHB30 can directly bind each other’s promoter and inhibit each other’s expression. Further, we found that DcEIL3–1 and DcHB30 also can directly bind each other’s promoter and inhibit each other’s expression. These findings further enrich our understanding about the molecular mechanism in regulating ethylene induced petal senescence in carnation, and also provide new strategies for postharvest preservation of cut carnation flowers.

Effect of some chemical and natural preservative solutions on vase life, water relations and some chemical composition of Dianthus caryophyllus L. cut flowers

To investigate the effect of some pulsing and holding solutions on the quality of carnation cv. Turbo cut flowers, a laboratory experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Center and Cairo University, Egypt during 2020 and 2021 seasons. In this regard distilled water, silver thiosulfate (STS) at 0.4 ppm + sucrose 10% (PS1) and AgNO3 at 10.0 ppm + sucrose 10% (PS2) were employed as a pulsing solution for 15 min while distilled water, sucrose 4% (HS1), boric acid (BoA) at 200 ppm + sucrose 4% (HS2), 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8-HQS) at 300 ppm + sucrose 4% (HS3), Amino-oxyacetic acid (AOA) at 250 ppm + sucrose 4% (HS4), 8-HQS + AOA + sucrose 4% (HS5), BoA + 8-HQS + sucrose 4% (HS6), BoA + AOA + sucrose 4% (HS7), BoA + 8-HQS + AOA + sucrose 4% (HS8), rosemary extract at 25% + sucrose 2% (HS9) and thyme extract at 25% + sucrose 2% (HS10) were used as holding solutions. Regarding pulsing solutions, PS2 and PS1 exhibited a positive effect on all studied traits, while the mastery was to HS8 concerning the effect of holding solutions. Pulsing cut carnations in a solution containing PS2 followed by holding in HS8 resulted in the highest values in terms of vase life, water balance, chlorophyll a, carotenoids and total sugars, while the highest water uptake and loss and chlorophyll b were obtained by pulsing in PS1 followed by holding in HS8. It is recommended to pulse carnation cv. Turbo cut flowers in AgNO3 at 10.0 ppm + sucrose 10% solution for 15 min followed by holding in BoA + 8-HQS + AOA + sucrose 4% for getting the longest vase life, enhancing water uptake and maintaining water balance. Additionally, this preservative solution effectively reduces chlorophyll degradation and preserves the content of carbohydrates throughout the postharvest period.

Low-Oxygen Responses of Cut Carnation Flowers Associated with Modified Atmosphere Packaging.

Gaseous factors affect post-harvest physiological processes in horticultural crops, including ornamental flowers. However, the molecular responses of cut flowers to the low-oxygen conditions associated with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) have not yet been elucidated. Here, we show that storage of cut carnation flowers in a sealed polypropylene bag decreased the oxygen concentration in the bag to 3-5% and slowed flower opening. The vase life of carnation flowers after storage for seven days under MAP conditions was comparable to that without storage and was improved by the application of a commercial-quality preservative. The adenylate energy charge (AEC) was maintained at high levels in petals from florets stored under MAP conditions. This was accompanied by the upregulation of four hypoxia-related genes, among which the HYPOXIA-RESPONSIVE ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR and PHYTOGLOBIN genes (DcERF19 and DcPGB1) were newly identified. These results suggest that hypoxia-responsive genes contribute to the maintenance of the energy status in carnation flowers stored under MAP conditions, making this gas-controlling technique potentially effective for maintaining cut flower quality without cooling.

Üzüm Cibresinin Karanfil Çiçeklerinin Vazo Ömrüne Etkileri

In carnation, vase life is shortened due to ethylene and water stress, resulting in petal curling, browning, and wilting symptoms. Preservative solutions are used to prolong the vase life of cut flowers in the world, and natural substances with antimicrobial properties have been preferred as preservatives in recent years. It is thought that benefiting from the antimicrobial properties of plant wastes will be beneficial for both the cut flower industry and waste management because they are natural. This research was carried out to determine the effect of grape marc extract (GME) on the vase life of cut carnation. D. caryophyllus cv. 'Baltico' was used as a plant material. The plants were placed in vases containing two different concentrations of GME (100 µL L-1, 200 µL L-1). The vase life, relative fresh weight (RFW), daily solution uptake (DSU), lipid peroxidation, proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured during and at the end of the experiment. In the study, it was determined that GME was effective on the vase life of cut carnation flowers and GME at 200 µL L-1 concentration (22.67 days) extended the vase life by 6.50 days and 40.2% compared to the control (16.17 days), (distilled water). At the same time, GME was found to be effective on the post-harvest stress mechanisms of cut carnation flowers. GME improved vase life by increasing both DSU, and antioxidant enzyme activities, and reducing RFW loss. It also reduced the accumulation of MDA and proline.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF INDOLE-3-BUTYRIC ACID (IBA) ON ROOTING EFFICIENCY IN CARNATION (DIANTHUS CARYOPHYLLUS L.) PROPAGATION UNDER PROTECTED CONDITIONS

The study aimed to assess the impact of varying Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) concentrations on the rooting efficacy of Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus L.) cuttings within a controlled greenhouse setting. Different concentrations of IBA were applied to selected Carnation cultivars to stimulate root development. The greenhouse environment maintained controlled conditions, regulating temperature, humidity, and light to mimic optimal growth settings. The study focused on observing and analyzing rooting responses, particularly concerning root initiation, elongation, and biomass accumulation. Results indicated a distinct relationship between IBA concentrations and the rooting efficiency of Carnation cuttings. Lower concentrations displayed negligible effects on root development, while moderate concentrations significantly stimulated root initiation and elongation. Surprisingly, excessively high IBA concentrations led to reduced rooting responses, suggesting a hormetic effect on root growth. Morphological assessments highlighted that optimal IBA concentrations fostered vigorous root systems characterized by increased length, number, and mass of roots. This research underscores the pivotal role of precise IBA application in promoting successful rooting of Carnation cuttings, especially in controlled environments. The findings provide crucial insights for refining propagation techniques tailored specifically for Carnations, offering guidance to growers in optimizing IBA concentrations for efficient and sustainable cultivation practices in the floriculture industry. Further investigations delving into the prolonged impacts of IBA on overall plant growth and development would deepen the understanding derived from these findings.

Nanosponges and CPPU for shelf-life prolongation of cut carnations

Nanosponges can favour the gradual release of molecules over a prolonged time, increasing the bioavailability and action of preservatives and phytoregulators, reducing the concentrations usually adopted. In floriculture, they have previously been proposed for the delivery of anti-ethylene compounds to improve the shelf-life of cut flowers. However, the potential of nanosponges is not only limited to these compounds. The present study evaluated the effects of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges and growth regulators on the post-harvest longevity of cut flowers of ornamental species. One novelty was the use of Forchlorfenuron (CPPU), a growth regulator belonging to the group of cytokinins predominantly used in fruit cultivation, to evaluate its potential to increase the shelf-life of cut carnations (Dhiantus caryophyllus). Specifically, as far as post-harvest longevity is concerned, the treatments involved the use of: deionised water; nanosponges and deionised water; nanosponges loaded with CPPU; nanosponges loaded with a classic solution for cut flowers, composed of sucrose, aluminium sulphate and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate. Preliminary results show that the nanosponge and deionised water complex and the nanosponge and classical solution complex prolonged the longevity of the cut flower by up to 20 days, compared to the control (17 days). In contrast, the CPPU-nanosponge complex showed similar results to the control. Replication of the research is necessary to validate the results.

Essential oils prolonged the cut carnation longevity by limiting the xylem blockage and enhancing the physiological and biochemical levels.

Postharvest characteristics, such as vase life and antimicrobial preservation of commercial cut flowers are some of the major determinants of their market value worldwide. Extending vase life while restricting microbial proliferation in cut flowers is an important challenge faced by floricultural researchers. This study evaluates the preservative efficiency of different essential oils used as additive solutions in prolonging the longevity of carnation cv. Madam Collette cut flowers and restricting microbial growth in them. Cut carnations were treated with four essential oils: geranium, thyme, marjoram, and anise at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 75 mg/L. While treatment with all the essential oils prolonged the longevity of the cut flowers, thyme and marjoram oils were most effective at concentrations of 50 mg/L each. The vase life of thyme-treated and marjoram-treated carnations almost doubled to 18.5 days and 18.25 days, respectively, as compared to untreated flowers. Treatment with essential oils also led to an increase in water uptake by the cut flowers enhancing their relative water content (RWC). It also restricted the sharp decline of chlorophyll and total carbohydrates content of the flowers during their vase life period. Morphological features of the stem bases of treated and untreated carnations were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The stem ends of geranium and anise-treated carnations showed less bacterial growth than untreated flowers and no apparent xylem blockage was observed even after nine days of treatment. Furthermore, the presence of essential oils also reduced lipid peroxidation and free radical generation as observed by malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 quantification, respectively. It also led to increased production of total phenols leading to enhanced membrane stability. The use of thyme and marjoram essential oils as antimicrobial preservatives and green antioxidants appears to have promising applications in both the industrial and scientific sectors.

The mutual regulation between DcEBF1/2 and DcEIL3-1 is involved in ethylene induced petal senescence in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.).

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is a respiratory climacteric flower, comprising one of the most important cut flowers that is extremely sensitive to plant hormone ethylene. Ethylene signaling core transcription factor DcEIL3-1 plays a key role in ethylene induced petal senescence in carnation. However, how the dose of DcEIL3-1 is regulated in the carnation petal senescence process is still not clear. Here, we screened out two EBF (EIN3 Binding F-box) genes, DcEBF1 and DcEBF2, which showed quick elevation by ethylene treatment according to the ethylene induced carnation petal senescence transcriptome. Silencing of DcEBF1 and DcEBF2 accelerated, whereas overexpression of DcEBF1 and DcEBF2 delayed, ethylene induced petal senescence in carnation by influencing DcEIL3-1 downstream target genes but not DcEIL3-1 itself. Furthermore, DcEBF1 and DcEBF2 interact with DcEIL3-1 to degrade DcEIL3-1 via an ubiquitination pathway in vitro and in vivo. Finally, DcEIL3-1 binds to the promoter regions of DcEBF1 and DcEBF2 to activate their expression. In conclusion, the present study reveals the mutual regulation between DcEBF1/2 and DcEIL3-1 during ethylene induced petal senescence in carnation, which not only expands our understanding about ethylene signal regulation network in the carnation petal senescence process, but also provides potential targets with respect to breeding a cultivar of long-lived cut carnation.

A novel perspective to investigate how nanoselenium and melatonin lengthen the cut carnation vase shelf

Nano-selenium (nano-Se) and melatonin (MT) applications confirmed to boost plant growth and resistance. The mechanism of various ratios of nano-Se and MT foliar application postpone the senescence of fresh cut carnation flowers and improve vase life remains unclear. In this study, a combined effect with nano-Se (nano-Se5, 5 mg/L) and MT(MT1, 1 mg/L) was preferable to the control, nano-Se, and MT treatment alone when it came to delaying flower senescence. They enhance the antioxidant ability of carnation flowers by lowering MDA and H2O2 levels, raising SOD and POD concentrations, and lowering procyanidins biosynthesis (catechins and epicatechin). Inducing the biosynthesis of hormonal compounds (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid), their combination also boosted the growth of carnations. Biofortification with nano-Se and MT substantially increased the amounts of key lignin biosynthesis pathway metabolites (L-phenylalanine, p-hydroxycinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, perillyl alcohol, p-Coumaryl alcohol, and cinnamic acid), which may increase stem cellular thickness and facilitate water absorption and transmission. The study hypothesizes that nano-Se and MT synergistic applications act as a new efficient non-toxic preservative to extend the vase life and improve the decorative value of carnations.

Melhorando as características pós-colheita, composição química e atividade antimicrobiana de flores de corte de Dianthus caryophyllus usando novos óleos essenciais

Abstract Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Servantes’) is a popular and economically cut flower widely used in the florist industry. However, post-harvest senescence occurs in a few days and limits the cut carnation flowers’ commercialization. Therefore, this research was performed to investigate the impact of essential oils such as tea tree oil (TTO), pumpkin seed oil (PSO), Moringa seed essential oils (MEO), and Eucalyptus oils (EEO), as eco-friendly preservative solutions to enhance the quality and longevity of carnation flowers. Carnation cut flowers were submitted to different concentrations (250 and 500 mg L-1) of each essential oil used in the vase solution and the experiments were carried out as a completely randomized design in three replicates. The findings revealed that the longest vase life and the maximum total water solution uptake in cut carnation were achieved when treated with either TTO or PSO oil at 500 mg L-1 in solution preservative as compared to the control (distilled water). While the highest relative fresh weight was observed at 500 mg L-1 PSO, the highest chlorophyll a, b, total carotenoids, total sugar, total phenolic content in leaves, anthocyanin content, and enzyme activity in petals at 500 mg L-1 TTO and PSO. Additionally, all treatments of selected oils have positively declined the bacteria activity compared to control. Also, the lowest bacteria growth on third day with 500 mg L-1 TTO and PSO. However, observing a prim state of xylem vessels with TTO 500 mg L-1and PSO 500 mg L-1, comparable with distilled water, the application of essential oil in this study as a natural preservative in preservative solution as an alternative to chemicals could be of environmental value and great economic.

DcWRKY33 promotes petal senescence in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) by activating genes involved in the biosynthesis of ethylene and abscisic acid and accumulation of reactive oxygen species.

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is one of the most famous and ethylene-sensitive cut flowers worldwide, but how ethylene interacts with other plant hormones and factors to regulate petal senescence in carnation is largely unknown. Here we found that a gene encoding WRKY family transcription factor, DcWRKY33, was significantly upregulated upon ethylene treatment. Silencing and overexpression of DcWRKY33 could delay and accelerate the senescence of carnation petals, respectively. Abscisic acid (ABA) and H2 O2 treatments could also accelerate the senescence of carnation petals by inducing the expression of DcWRKY33. Further, DcWRKY33 can bind directly to the promoters of ethylene biosynthesis genes (DcACS1 and DcACO1), ABA biosynthesis genes (DcNCED2 and DcNCED5), and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation gene DcRBOHB to activate their expression. Lastly, relationships are existed between ethylene, ABA and ROS. This study elucidated that DcWRKY33 promotes petal senescence by activating genes involved in the biosynthesis of ethylene and ABA and accumulation of ROS in carnation, supporting the development of new strategies to prolong the vase life of cut carnation.

A aplicação de película natural melhora a conservação de flores de corte de cravos

ABSTRACT Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is one of the most important and popular cut flowers for the ornamental industry. However, it has a short decorative life, being water loss one of the main challenges. Water loss leads the petals to wither with a consequent loss of its commercial value. One of the techniques used in postharvest technology is the use of coatings and films, which interfere in gas exchange and water loss, maintaining the quality of cut flowers. The current study investigated the effects of a natural coating based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) at 5% and beeswax (BW) in cut carnation flower cv. Delphi stored at 20°C and 70% RH. The application of HPMC + 40% BW treatment in flowers resulted in 30% higher fresh weight, 17% higher relative water content (RWC) and 80% higher flower opening compared to untreated flowers. The shelf life of untreated and HPMC + 40% BW carnations was 7 and 12 days, respectively, allowing a shelf-life extension of up to five days.

MAINTAINING THE QUALITY OF CARNATION CUT FLOWERS DEPENDING ON TEMPERATURE

In the assortment of cut flowers, carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) fall in the first places, with a large number of varieties, of various colors, being appreciated on the cut flowers market. Carnations flowers that cannot be sold immediately after harvest, being a time of year when the market offers an abundance of cut flower species, they are prone to rapid depreciation under normal environmental conditions. Carnation is an important ornamental plant, which is used as a potted plant as well as a cut flower. One factor that influences the shelf life is temperature. From the flowering stage to the total depreciation of the inflorescence, it plays an important role. In this experiment, the flowers were harvested on two different dates for about a month. The temperatures at which the varieties were kept had 6 graduations (from 10 to 22 °C). The parameters followed were: bud height, corolla height above the calyx, bud diameter and flower stem length. Storing flowers in water at 4 °C for 6 to 15 days, did not increase the diameter of the flower bud. In flowers kept at 22 °C for 6 days, the values of several parameters of cell senescence fell below the values of fresh flowers. However, in flowers kept at 4 °C there was no expected slow decrease in these parameters, but rather an increase above the levels found in fresh flowers. We conclude that storage at low temperatures has effects on carnation cut flowers, other than slowing down the aging process.

Salicylic acid and herbal extracts prolong vase life and improve quality of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) flowers

• Exposure to 50 and 100 mg L − 1 SA resulted in marked increased in vase life of carnation flower. • The bacterial population in flowers exposed to 150 mgL −1 SA vase solution was 83% lower than that of control. • SA treated flowers displayed a dramatic increase in protein, CAT and POD activities compare to untreated control. • Salix and Mentha leaf extracts and SA enhanced the expression of CAT and POD genes, with SA treatment being most superior. The natural limitation of the cut carnation ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.) flower vase-life, led to complications in marketing and long-distance transportation. Different chemical preservatives and growth regulators are currently in use to extend the shelf and postharvest life of cut flowers. This research was aimed to evaluate the impacts of Salix and Mentha leaf extracts (SE and ME) and salicylic acid (SA) on post-harvest quality and vase life status of cut carnations flowers. Cut carnations were exposed to the various concentrations of SE and ME (25, 50 and 100 mg L − 1 ) and SA (50, 100 and 150 mg L − 1 ) vase solutions. All concentrations of SE, ME and SA considerably prolonged the vase life and increased membrane stability index (MSI), protein and antioxidant enzyme activity of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). Exposure to 50 and 100 mg L − 1 SA resulted in marked increase in vase life. In flowers treated with 150 mgL −1 SA vase solution, the bacterial population was 83% lower than control. The SA treated flowers displayed a dramatic increase in protein, CAT and POD activities compared to untreated control. Furthermore, ME, SE and SA treatments enhanced the expression of CAT and POD genes, but this increase was much greater with SA treatment. In general, post-harvest application of SA in comparison with ME and SE and control improved longevity in cut carnation flowers by enhancing the scavenging ability related to CAT and POD activity and improving the water balance.

Efficacy of Phosphine Fumigation under Cold Temperature against Frankliniella occidentalis Perg. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on Carnation

Many pests cause serious economic losses in the carnation cultivation areas in Turkey. Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Perg. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is harmful on carnation by feeding on both leaves and flowers and is listed as a quarantine pest in some exporting countries. Due to invasions of western flower thrips some chemical control measures are traditionally used as a phytosanitary measure for control of western flower thrips on cut carnation, however, traditional insecticides do not provide its satisfactory control. Phosphine has been investigated as an alternative to traditional insecticides for pest control on cut flowers. In this study the toxic effect of the phosphine gas on egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages of western flower thrips were determined by using the QuickPHlo-R® aluminium phosphide formulation (77.5%) and QuickPHlo-R® quick phosphine generator in a cold storage facility in the Korkuteli district of Antalya province in Turkey in 2018. The doses of 1.1, 2.2 and 3.3 g m-3 of QuickPHlo-R® granules were used for 48 hours exposure time under low temperature conditions (6 ⁰C). Adult stage of the F. occidentalis at 1.1 g m-3 has the lowest mortality rate with 75.71% while the highest toxic effect of phosphine gas was observed at 3.3 g m-3 for 48 h exposure time with a 100% mortality rate of all biological stages of F. occidentalis. It is concluded that QuickPHlo-R® fumigation technology against the western flower thrips under low temperature conditions could be used easily, especially to meet quarantine conditions of the exporter country of the cut flower.

Income Generation through Value Addition of Flower Crops: A Review

Value added floriculture is a process of increasing the economic value and consumer appeal of any floral commodity through processing and packaging diversification. The value addition for marketing flowers includes adoption of postharvest technology and improved logistics. Value- addition ensures high premium to the grower, while providing more acceptable quality products for the domestic and export market, and it provides the most important aspects of marketing and give the customers a reason to buy such products. Value addition reduces post-harvest losses and diversifies the economic base of rural communities. The value-added products can be classified into three categories namely fresh flower products, dried flower products and processed flower products. The success of floral industry lies upon by strengthening the fresh flower market through value addition. Dry flower value added products of flowers through different methods have shown promising results. Tinting of cut carnation with food dye Pink and Orange Red @ 5% recorded the fastest uptake of 1 hour Jasminum sambac flowers harvested at the fully open stage yielded better quality essential oil compared with flowers harvested at the closed bud stage. Marigold is one of the richest source of carotenoids especially lutein which possess antioxidant activities and moreover intake of lutein helps in curing age related macular diseases. Natural dyes are mostly used in the colouring of textiles, drugs, cosmetics, etc. Chrysanthemum petals can be used as a substitute of synthetic reactive dyes for dyeing of cotton and silk fabrics (Das et al., 2016). Marigold flower provides a source of carotenoids commercially used in food colouring industries and poultry feed high in carotenoids has been shown to increase performance and egg yolk color as well as decrease egg cholesterol levels.

Effect of Temperature on Scent Emission from Carnation Cut Flowers

Temperature, an environmental factor affecting cut flowers' physiological state, is expected to affect scent emission. We investigated scent emission from carnation cut flowers of two scent types (Dianthus caryophyllus L.), exhibiting fruity (because of methyl benzoate) and spicy (because of eugenol) scents, at various temperatures (10°C, 15°C, 23°C, and 28°C). Cut flowers harvested on the day of flower opening were used for analysis. Scent emission was significantly higher at 23°C and 28°C than at 10°C and 15°C until 1 or 2 days but was significantly lower at 8 and 10 days postharvest. Methyl benzoate emissions decreased faster than eugenol emissions. Considering the lower limit of noticeable scent, as per previous sensory evaluations of carnations, scent lasted the longest at 10°C and 15°C. After ~5 days of pretreatment at 10°C, scent emission was slightly improved at 23°C than at 23°C. Such cut flower management at 10°C before sale may contribute to the persistence of scent at room temperature in consumers' homes after sale. Various factors, including the suppression of scent substrate consumption, regulation of scent emission from the cuticle, and influence on the expression of scent emission–related genes, may affect the retention of scent emission because of low temperature.

THE EFFECT OF CHEMICAL TREATMENTS ON THE QUALITY AND LIFE OF VASES IN THE CUT FLOWERS OF CARNATIONS (DIANTHUS CARYOPYLLUS L.)

The cut flowers are living organs, with intense metabolic activity, subjected to a rapid aging process compared to the undetached flowers from the mother plant. Improving the life of cut flowers is one of the most important factors for customer satisfaction. The effect of silver thiosulphate (STS) and commercial mixtures was studied in carnation cut flowers and kept in randomized vases according to experimental factors. Three commercial mixtures were used (Chrysal, Flower Food, Fleur̛ Rose) and for thiosulphate four levels (0 or control, 0.03, 0.06 and 0.9 mM). The interaction of the two factors studied was insignificant for most traits, including wilting percentage and vase lifespan, which may involve the application of both substances alone is sufficient to improve post-harvest quality and is not necessary to use simultaneously in the preservative solution. The results also showed that following the interaction of the two factors, treatment with 0.06 mM silver thiosulphate can be applied to improve the post-harvest quality of blossom cut flowers and commercial chemical mixtures can be successfully replaced.