Vol. 11, Issue 11 (2022)

An experiment was done to determine the best preservative to use to keep cut roses fresh for longer period or extend the shelf life. Eight chemical preservative solutions were used for hydration and these were HT0: Distilled Water (Control)., HT1: Control + Silver thiosulphate (15 ml)., HT2: Control + Silica (2.5 gms)., HT3: Control + Dextrose (3 gms)., HT4: Control + Silver thiosulphate (10 ml) + Silica (2 gms)., (HT5) Control + Silver thiosulphate (10 ml) + Dextrose (2 gms)., (HT6) Control + Silica (2 gms) + Dextrose (2 gms)., and (HT7) Control + Silver thiosulphate (8 ml) + Silica (1.5 gms) + Dextrose (1.5 gms). In the present study the variables analysed were colour, form, texture, appearance and vaselife. From the experiments, the results showed that among all treatments, treatment HT7 was found to give good results and extended the vaselife period of cut roses to 11 days. Thus, hydration treatments mainly the combined application of low concentrations of STS, silica and dextrose provided an opportunity to administer water soluble chemical inhibitors of ethylene action and delayed senescence of flowers.