Effect of different stalk lengths and certain chemical substances on vase life of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Hook.) cv. 'Savana Red'

Abstract: An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of different stalk lengths and certain chemical substances on vase life of gerbera (Gerberajamesonii Hook.) Cv. 'Savana Red'. Twenty treatment combinations consisting of four chemicals viz., sucrose 4 %, sucrose 4 % + 8-HQC 250 ppm , sucrose 4 % + aluminum sulphate 100 ppm , sucrose 4 % + citric acid 250 ppm , along with control (distilled water) and four lengths of stalk viz., 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm. The vase solution of sucrose 4% + 8-HQC 250 ppm and stalk length of 60 cm, individually and in combination increased fresh weight of flowers by promoting solution uptake. These treatments are also beneficial for improving the vase life of flowers and useful life of flowers, opening of disc florets, with bright, shining red colour and freshness for a longer duration.