Standardization of Holding Solutions on Keeping quality and Vase Life of Torch Ginger [Etlingera elatior (Jack) R. M. Sm.]

Torch ginger is a lesser known cut flower and can be a potential future cut flower. Different holding solutions were studied with a view to find a standard holding solution for extending the vase life and keeping quality of torch ginger inflorescence. The research was carried out in CRD design with three repeatation during March 2014 at ASPEE college of Horticulture and Forestry. The inflorescence were harvested at 25% opened stage and different chemicals were used as holding solution viz., S₁-2% Sucrose, S₂-100 mg/l 8-HQ, S₃-200 mg/l 8-HQ, S₄100 mg/l 8-HQ + 2% Sucrose, S₅-200 mg/l 8-HQ + 2% Sucrose, S₆-100 mg/l 8-HQ + 50 mg/l Benzyladanine, S₇-100 mg/l 8-HQ + 50 mg/l Gibberellic Acid, S₈-100 mg/l 8-HQ + 50 mg/l Benzyladanine + 2% Sucrose, S₉-100 mg/l 8-HQ + 50 mg/l Gibberellic Acid + 2% Sucrose, S₁₀-Control (distilled water).. Out of 10 holding solutions torch ginger inflorescence held in S₉ (100 mg/l 8-HQ + 50 mg/l Gibberellic acid + 2% Sucrose) or S₈ (100 mg/l 8-HQ + 50 mg/l Benzyladanine + 2% Sucrose) found prominent for 100% flower opening, better vase life (23.63 and 22.71 days in S₉ and S₈ respectively) compared to the control (18.29 days) and2% Sucrose (17.24 days). Both the holding solutions S₉ (100 mg/l 8-HQ + 50 mg/l Gibberellic acid + 2% Sucrose) or S₈(100 mg/l 8-HQ + 50 mg/l Benzyladanine + 2% Sucrose) can retain good flower quality as well as effectively withhold the inflorescence fresh weight and water uptake.