Effect of Postharvest Chemical Treatments on Quality and Longevity of Cut Chrysanthemum

The investigation was carried out to study the response of cut stem to sucrose and chemicals in terms of quality and vase life. The Experiment was comprised of 14 holding solutions containing sucrose 3 percent, biocide citric acid (200 and 400 ppm), aluminium sulphate (50 and 100 ppm) and growth regulator benzyl adenine (10 and 200 ppm). Sucrose and chemicals were used in isolation or in combination, and distilled water was used as a control. Results revealed that sucrose 3% + Al2(SO4)3 50 ppm helped stem to maintain favourable water relation, evaluated in terms of water uptake, water loss, water uptake/water loss ratio and water balance followed by sucrose 3 5% + Al2(SO4)3 50 ppm and citric acid 200 and 400 ppm exhibited less decline in fresh weight as compared to those in sucrose alone or control. Longest vase life of 14.64 days was recorded with sucrose 3% + Al2(SO4)3 50 ppm whereas, vase life in sucrose alone was 9.90 day only.