Rishu Sharma, Santosh Kumar, Yalek Messar and Sunder Pal
Abstract
Gladiolus is highly valued for its magnificent spikes which slowly open up in the vases that make them long lasting ornamentals in vases as well as for flower arrangements and other floral decorations. But huge water loss and less water uptake by stems due to vascular plugging is the major cause for deterioration of flower quality. Several chemical preservatives have been tested so far in the gladiolus to maintain correct water balance. But due to the environmental threats posed by these chemicals they are less preferred these days. So, various eco-friendly herbal extracts had been tested in the present studies to improve water balance in gladiolus. Five herbal extract treatments viz., Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract @ 2%, Ocimum sanctum extract (Tulsi) @ 2%, Bacopa monneiri extract (Brahmi) @ 2%, Curcuma longa (Turmeric) @ 2% and Control (distilled water) were tested on four varieties of gladiolus viz., Nathan Red, Morning Gold, Black Star and Peter Pears. Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract @ 2% was found to be the best for maintaining the correct water balance in the Gladiolus spikes. Other herbal extract treatments were also found to be effective for the same than control. Among the varieties the best variety that showed higher values for water relations was Peter Pears. For interactions the results remained non-significant.