Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500030, Andhra Pradesh. drvijjuhort@yahoo.com
*Present address of the corresponding author: Senior Scientist (Hort.), Horticultural Research Station, Andhra Pradesh Horrtcultural University, Vijayarai -534475, West Godavari (Dt.), Andhra Pradesh, India
The effect of Sodium hypo chlorite (SHC) 20 ppm (germicide), Calcium nitrate (Ca(N03)2) 250 ppm (mineral salt), Ascorbic acid (AA) 150 ppm (antioxidant) and Sucrose 3% (sugar) in different combinations on the vase life of cut roses was studied. Among all combinations, SHC 20 ppm +Sucrose 3% significantly increased the ffower opening, flower diameter (66.59%) and vase life (51.58%), followed by SHC 20 ppm+Ca(NO3)2 250 ppm over control. Reduced microbial growth by SHC 20 ppm increased the solution uptake of sucrose or calcium nitrate, which have provided the respirabie substrate and there by kept the tissue water potential at higher level. Better water relations established in the floral tissue finally led to lowered levels of Catalse (CAT) and Peroxidase (POO) activities when compared with other combinations and control. Further, these treatments also maintained higher content of anthocyanins when compared with all other treatments.
Rose, shelf life, catalase, peroxidase, water potential
