The experiment entitled studies on the effect of locally available acidifiers on extension of vase life of cut tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) Cv. Arka prajwal was conducted at floricultural laboratory, college of Horticulture, Rajendra nagar during 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design. The treatments consist of citric acid (200 ppm, 300 ppm), lime juice (5ml, 10ml) and Ascorbic acid (200 ppm, 300 ppm) and control Distilled water. Maximum water uptake (24.66, 18.53, 12.51 g), transpirational loss of water (21.64, 16.44, 10.59), water balance (8.02, 7.09, 6.91 g), fresh weight change (103.71, 94.28, 89.18%), low optical density (0.040, 0.048, 0.054 nm), minimum days to first floret opening (1.28 days), maximum days to longevity of basal floret (2.64 days), highest vase life (9.89 days), floret opening percentage (80.83) and least microbial count in vase solution( 4.32 ×10-5) were all recorded at 200 ppm of citric acid when compared to other treatments. The results revealed that citric acid @ 200 ppm may be used to enhance the vase life of cut tuberose Cv. Arka Prajwal.

Tuberose, acidifiers, citric acid, vase life

It can be concluded from the present investigation that among all the locally available acidifier treatments studied in the prolonging of vase life of cut tuberose, T1 citric acid 200 ppm was resulted significantly maximum water uptake (24.66,18.53,12.51g), transpiration loss of water (21.64, 16.44, 10.59 g), water balance (8.02, 7.09, 6.91g), fresh weight change ( 103.71, 94.28, 89.18 %) low optical density of vase solution (0.040, 0.048, 0.054 nm), minimum days for first floret opening (1.28 days), highest longevity of basal floret (2.64 days), Maximum vase life (9.89 days) and floret opening percentage (80.83 %), minimum microbial count in vase solution (4.32 ×10-5) from 2nd day to 6th day of vase life studies of cut tuberose when compared to other treatments. Henceforth this treatment can be used as acidifier in vase solution alternative to chemical preservatives.

Anusha Tanniru, G. Jyothi, P. Prasanth, K. Kaladhar Babu and Ch. Rajagoud (2023). Studies on the Effect of Locally Available Acidifiers on Extension of Vase Life of Cut Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) Cv. Arka Prajwal. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 558-563.