Effect of aluminium sulphate and citric acid on post-harvest qualities of spray chrysanthemum (Dendranthema × grandiflora).

An experiment was conducted on five spray cultivars of Chrysanthemum, (Dendranthema × grandiflora Ramat) viz. Kundan, Maghi Yellow, Maghi White, Corcon Small and Jubilee, to see the effect of aluminium sulphate and citric acid on post-harvest attributes and vase-life. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized block design with five varieties and seven treatment combinations replicated thrice. Among different varieties maximum vase-life (19.64 days), solution uptake (40.93ml), floret opening (89.25%) were observed in Kundan, however, minimum weight loss (17.46%) was observed in Corcon Small. Amongst chemical treatments, maximum average vase-life (13.60 days) and minimum weight loss (28.84%) were recorded with 150 ppm citric acid +1000 ppm aluminium sulphate +2% sucrose. Maximum solution uptake (37.83 ml) was recorded with 300 ppm citric acid + 1000 ppm aluminium sulphate + 2% sucrose. However, maximum flower size (3.83 cm) and bud opening (89.13%) were observed under the control.