S. Thapa1, Tripathi K.M.2
1Nepal Polytechnic Institute, Chitwan Nepal
2Agricultue and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal
Abstract
The study was carried out to standardize the concentration of different level of silver nitrate (AgNo3)on vase life of gerbera from 17th September to 28th September, 2014. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design with 6 treatments. The treatments were, no AgNO3 (control), 20 ppm AgNO3, 40 ppm AgNO3, 60 ppm AgNO3, 80 ppm AgNO3, and 100 ppm AgNO3. Each treatment composed of five sub-samples and replicated thrice. The gerbera (var. Red Explosion) flowers were kept for pulsing in 16 % sucrose solution overnight. The Observations recorded were discoloration and shrinkage of florets, water uptake, flower weight loss, petal fall, changes in flower diameter and disease incidence on flowers during its vase life and analyzed using R-stat software. The discoloration of floret was statistically Similar in 40 ppm, 60 ppm, 80 ppm and 100 ppm AgNO3, but significantly different with 20 ppm and control. 80 ppm AgNO3,significantly increased water uptake (51.8ml) than other treatment. However, 80 ppm AgNO3, was at par with 100 ppm AgNO3, for 50% petal fall and weight loss. The higher the dose the better the vase performance till 80 ppm AgNO3, but after that, the higher dose of silver nitrate (100 ppm AgNO3) resulted toxic effect on cut flowers. So as per our research observation, 80 ppm AgNO3, is appropriate to prolong the vase life of gerbera.
Keywords: Silver nitrate, vase life, cut flower, pulsing, water uptake