Effect of plant growth regulators on physical changes and microbial count during vase life of cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hook.) cv. Yanara

The effect of plant growth regulators on physical changes and microbial count in vase solution during vase life period in cut gerbera (Gerbera Jamesonii) cv. Yaanaa was assessed. All the chemicals were effective compared to control in extending the vase life. However, flower held in BA 4 ppm + SH 25ppm + sucrose 4% maintained flower quallty by controlllng microbial growth effectively, reducing the optical density of vase solution, recording lowered scape bending curvature and percentages of bent and wilted flower scapes thereby, increasing the vase life for a longer duration (9.77 days) compared to control. These chemicals delayed flower senescence by preventing water stress in the cut flower leading to increased vase life.