Effects of Preservative Solutions on Hypericum Cut Flower

Abstract

Flower vase life is regarded as the most important factor in the floral industry. Cut flowers with long vase life are mostly preferred for commercial purposes by clients. To extend the vase life of flowers, there are preservative solutions that aid in this process. This study aimed at finding out the most appropriate preservative solution that would extend the vase life of hypericum cut flowers. The experiment was carried out in University of Embu from end of January to March, 2019. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design replicated three times. The treatments were as follows; (0) Sterile water, (1) Icing sugar, glucose and citric acid, (2) Icing sugar, glucose and sodium thiosulphate and (3) Icing sugar, glucose and silver nitrate. Data was collected daily on the following parameters; berry discoloration, head diameter, water uptake and stem diameter. The data collected was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using R software while mean separation was done using the Honest Significance difference HSD at 95%. Citric acid recorded the highest capacity to enhance the cut flower vase life to 21days whereas sodium thiosulphate and silver nitrate had the same effects on vase life period of 18 days. Thus citric acid can be recommended for use in the preservation of hypericum cut flowers.