EFFECT OF CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVES ON SHELF LIFE OF COSMOS SULPHREUS CAV. CUT FLOWER.

Keeping quality is an important parameter for evaluation of cut flower quality, for both in export and domestic markets. Holding solution should contain chemical preservatives to prolong the vase-life of cut flowers. These holding solutions must contain germicide to control harmful bacteria and prevent plugging of the conducting tissues. For many years, floral preservatives have been acidified and have usually included biocides to inhibit bacterial proliferation. The sugars provide a respiratory substrate, while the germicides control harmful bacteria and prevent plugging of the conducting tissues. For flower opening, large amount of soluble carbohydrates is required as the substrate for respiration and synthetic materials as well as osmolytes. Present study was carried out for Cosmos sulphreus Cav. Cut flowers. Various chemical preservatives were used to prolong shelf life of cut flower of Cosmos sulphreus. Among them citric acid + sucrose maintain same water balance as compare to the D.W. but increased shelf life by 1 day i.e. 5 days.