Standardization of drying techniques of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Investigations were carried out to standardize the suitable drying temperatures, media and method of drying of flowers in Carnation cv. Master In two separate experiments. The flowers were embedded in three drying media viz., quartz sand, silica gel and borax and were kept at three durations viz., 4 days, 8 days and 16 days in shade drying and for three durations viz., 120 seconds, 150 seconds and 180 seconds in microwave oven drying. In shade drying method, maximum flower dry weight (3.36 g) was recorded with quartz sand on 4th day of drying followed by 8th day (2.70 g) and 16th day (2.58 g). Maximum dry flower diameter was observed with quartz sand (3.28 cm). Highest total sugars were observed with silica gel (4.43 cm). In microwave oven drying method, maximum flower dry weight (6.58 g) was recorded with quartz sand at 120 seconds duration of drying. Maximum dry flower diameter was observed with quartz sand at 120 seconds (3.76 cm) and maximum number of petals were recorded with quartz sand (60.77).