Effect of Chemicals on Longevity of Cut Dutch Iris

Combination of sucrose and metal salts increased the vase life of cut iris spikes from 9.77 days in control to 12.66 days in sucrose (Su) 4% + cobaltous chloride (CC) 200 ppm and 12. 33 days in Su 2% + CC 200 ppm, Su 4% + aluminium sulphate (AS) 200 ppm and Su 2% + AS 200 ppm combinations. Water uptake was noticed maximum in spikes pulsed with cobaltous chloride alone or in combination with sucrose, and minimum in aluminium sulphate alone or in combination with sucrose. Water loss was highest (17.66 g/spike) in control and lowest in Su 2% + AS 300 ppm and Su 4% + AS 300 ppm, recording 10.83 and 10.50 g/spike, respectively. Water balance, fresh weight gain and floret size were observed maximum with cobaltous chloride or aluminium sulphate in combination with sucrose.