1Department of Postharvest Technology,
2Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-173 230, Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Investigations were conducted to study the influence of nitrogen (0, 20, 40, 60 g/m2) and potassium levels (0, 10, 20, 30 g/m2) on postharvest quality of cut flowers of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev.) cv. Snow Ball, evaluated in holding solutions (2% sucrose in combination with 200 ppm 8-HQC, 1500 ppm aluminium sulphate, a combination of both and in distilled water). Significant results were obtained on vase life, flower size and per cent physiological loss in weight (PLW) with nitrogen and potassium levels of application during crop production and different holding solutions. Maximum vase life (19.27 day) and amount of solution consumed (263.8 ml) was recorded with 0 g N and 20 g K/m2 treatment in 2 per cent sucrose in combination with 200 ppm 8-HQC, whereas, minimum were recorded with 60 g N and 0 g K/m2 treatment in distilled water (control). But, maximum flower size was recorded (13.03 mm) in 40 g N and 20 g K/m2 treatment in same holding solution. Maximum per cent physiological loss in weight was noticed in 60 g N and 0 g K/m2 in distilled water.
Chrysanthemum, holding solution, nitrogen, potassium, vase life
