Standardization of Glycerinisation for Leaves of Silver Oak(Grevillea robusta), Kanchan (Bauhinia purpurea) and Pipal (Ficus religiosa)

Studies were carried out to standardize the dehydration technology for leaves of kanchan, pipal and silver oak under laboratory conditions in the Department of Post Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops, Faculty of Horticulture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal during 2012–13. The foliages were subjected to four treatments replicated four times containing five foliage per replication. An experiment was carried out by placing only the stems or dipping the foliages in the glycerine solution, which were harvested at matured stage. The parameters like change in fresh weight and change in leaf area. Other quality parameters like texture, shape, bri leness, colour retention and over all acceptance were also recorded. Findings of results revealed that best results were obtain terms of texture, shape, bri leness, over-all acceptability was maximum in glycerine (20%) by uptake method for silver oak with high flexibility and glossiness. However, in case of kanchan glycerine (20%) by uptake method gave best result with similar a ributes followed by glycerine (40%). In Pipal leaves, glycerine (40%) by dip method showed best results with maximum retention of colour.

• Ideal concentration of glycerine best suited for preservation varied from species to species and method of treatment.

• Best results were obtained in terms of texture, shape, bri leness, over-all acceptability for silver oak in glycerine-20% by uptake method.