Chemical regulations of vase life of cut Anthuriums

Abstract

Research was carried out to extend the vase life of cut Anthurium flowers of cv. Liver Re, Meringue and Casino by using different chemicals in combination with sucrose and germicides. The prime objective was to standardize optimum concentration of vase solution for the above cultivars by using growth regulators and metal salt in combination with sucrose and germicides. Studies include the use of growth regulators namely Triadimefon, Benzyl adinine, Mineral salts and AgNO3. Each of these at 4 different concentrations, each in combination with two levels of sucrose, 4 & 6% and germicide 8 HqO at 400 ppm were used. It was observed that the chemicals used have shown to have maximum quantity of cumulative water uptake and higher water uptake to water loss ratio in the treated spikes. As a result there was a better water balance to maintain fresh weight which eventually leading to the increased longevity of flower. Best vase life improvement in the three cultivars was by 87%, 89%, and 93% respectively with chemical treatment over control. The period of initiation of the symptoms associated with senescence was drastically delayed by treatment with different concentrations of TAF, BA, AGNO3 in combination with sucrose and germicides over control. Though all the chemicals used had beneficial effects in terms of better water relations to extend vase life in all 3 cultivars of anthuriums. BA was more effective followed by TAF, AGNO3 in all three, in combination with sucrose and 8 HqO.