Effect of Vase and Pulsing Solutions on Keeping Quality of Standard Carnation (Dianthes Caryophyllus Linn.) Cut Flowers

Vase solution containing aluminium sulphate (200 ppm) improved vase life of cut carnation (Dianthes caryophyllus Linn.) flowers and sucrose synergized the effect of aluminium sulphate. Vase life of cut flowers was maximum (11.45 day) in solution containing sucrose (5%) + aluminium sulphate (200 ppm). Among different combinations comprising of sucrose, biocides and ethylene antagonists, the maximum vase life (13.44 day) was observed when the stems were pre-treated with STS, ImM under cool conditions (at 4±0.5°C) for 24 h followed by placing the stems in vase solution containing sucrose (5%) + aluminium sulphate (200 ppm). This was closely followed (13.00 day) by STS (4mM) pre-treatment for 15 min (at 23±2°C) and subsequently placing the stems in vase solution mentioned above. Among the pulsing treatments, maximum vase life (11.89 day) was obtained with solution containing sucrose (10%)+ aluminium sulphate (200 ppm)+ STS (0.2 mM). Exposure of flowering stems to 1-MCP, 100 ppb (for 30 min) significantly improved vase life, which was comparable to STS, 4mM treatment (15 min). Exposure of stems to 1- MCP followed by placing the stems in vase solution containing sucrose (5%)+ aluminium sulphate (200 ppm) synergistically improved vase life.