Effect of Chemicals Treatment on Keeping Quality and Vase Life of Gladiolus Flowers

Gladiolus is one of the most common cut flowers and has the highest economic importance in the floriculture industry. Vase life differs among various species and cultivars. It is one of the most valuable characteristics for determining flower quality, satisfying consumer preferences and prolonging its commercial value. Maintenance of optimal water status is the most important factor for enhancing vase life period. Results indicate that maximum per cent change in fresh weight by spike at senescence stage, maximum diameter of basal floret, maximum per cent change in length by spike at senescence stage, highest water uptake, longest longevity of floret, highest number of opened florets per spike at a time and longest vase life were significantly recorded in treatment sucrose (5%) + salicylic acid 150 ppm as compared to control. Among all the used chemicals concentration 150 ppm SA vase solution found most feasible for keeping quality and long vase life. SA play an important role in regulating a number of physiological processes and provide protection against biotic and abiotic stresses in plant by regulating plant growth and development process such as ethylene biosynthesis, stomatal conductance, respiration and activation of defense systems against different pathogens.