Extending post harvest life and keeping quality of Gerbera (Gerberajamaesonii) var. Red Torrossa using pulsing and preservative solutions

An Investigation was undertaken to extend the post harvest life of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) var. Red Torrossa using various pulsing and preservative solution in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University during 2020-2021. The experiment was conducted with pulsing and holding solution at various concentrations viz., P₀- No pulsing, P1- Sucrose @ 20% and P2- Sucrose @ 30%. Vase solutions comprise of 13 treatments with 3 concentrations i.e., two chemicals compound viz., Nano silver (4, 8 and 12 ppm) and Silver nitrate (100, 200 and 300 ppm) and two organic compounds viz., Neem extract (1, 2 and 3%) and Rosemary oil (4, 8 and 12%). Assessment of pulsing and vase solution was done based on transpirational loss of water (g/flower), Fresh weight change (%), Stem strength (Degree) and vase life (days) were done on 5^th day of observations. Maximum transpiration loss of water, fresh weight change, stem strength and vase life recorded maximum values under the treatment P₁V₂ (Pusling @ 20% and Nano Silver @ 8 ppm).