Optimization of holding solution to enhance post harvest life of carnation

Post harvest handling of cut flowers is important for maintaining the freshness of flowers till it reaches the consumer. Holding solution is used to hold the cut stems for extending the shelf life of flowers. The addition of appropriate agents to the holding solution would effectively help to extend the vase life. The holding solution comprising of nine treatment combinations with sucrose, citric acid and growth regulator with Benzyl Adenine and 8-Hydroxy Quinoline proved that sucrose 5 per cent + citric acid 50 ppm + Benzyl Adenine 75 ppm is the best treatment for enhancing the vase life of flowers to 14.67 days compared to control with 8.67 days. The physical parameters viz., water uptake (WU), transpirational loss of water (TLW), water balance (WB), fresh weight change (FWC) and freshness and colour fading, physiological loss in weight (%) (PLW), membrane integrity (%) and biochemical parameters viz., total carbohydrate (mg/g), peroxidase activity (change in OD/g/min) (POD), anthocyanin content and carotenoid content (mg/g) were observed for assessing the post harvest life of flowers.