Effect of AgNO₃ and sucrose on the vase life of cut gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) cv. “Yellow stone”

The post-harvest handling is the most important aspect is cut flower industry because about 20% losses due to improper handling. The vase life of cut flowers of gladiolus depends on the genotype of crop and also influenced by different chemical and sucrose, added to the vase solution. The present investigation was carried out at Department of Horticulture in R.B. (PG) College, Mudi Crossing, Agra (U.P) during 2011 on gladiolus CV. ‘Yellow Stone’.The cut flowers were harvested in the morning at tight by stager and kept in a bouquet containing tap water, having 45 cm stem length. After recording the fresh weight of all cut stems, they were kept in 25ppmand 50ppmholding solution of AgNO₃, 2% and 4% of sucrose, AgNO₃ 25ppm+ sucrose 2% and AgNO₃ 25ppm+ 4% sucrose, AgNO₃ 50ppm+ sucrose 2% and AgNO₃ 50ppm+ sucrose 4% and the control (distilled water) under the ambient conditions at 22±2°C temperature and RH 50–70%. All the treatments were compared with Completely Randomized Design and replicated thrice. The total 27 treatments were tested and among all treatments, AgNO₃ 25ppm, AgNO₃ 25ppm + sucrose 2% and sucrose 2% significantly influenced the vase life, water uptake, flower diameter, rachis length, floret length and florets open as compare to control (distilled water).