Standardization of tinting techniques in gerbera, carnation and gladiolus

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the vase life, colour intensity, moisture content of tinted gerbera, carnation and gladiolus flowers. The experiment comprised of two factors i.e., first one was flowers treated with six food dyes with 5% concentration along with control and with three different time of immersion for 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 hrs. The results revealed that flowers treated with distilled water (Control) and immersed for 2.5 hrs had recorded the higher vase life (7, 8 and 6 days), maximum mean moisture content (60.3, 64.8 and 57.71%) in gerbera, carnation and gladiolus respectively. With respect to the colour intensity, colour distribution and consumer acceptability the flowers treated with blue, orange and green dyes which were immersed for about 7.5 hrs duration had recorded the higher consumer acceptance. The flowers which were treated with blue, green and orange (1.30, 1.40 and 1.50 hrs) (1.20, 1.39 and 1.48 hrs) and (50min, 58min and 1.23 hrs) were found to absorb the dyes quickly in gerbera, carnation and gladiolus respectively, Thus it can be concluded that tinting with blue, green and orange which were immersed for 7.5 hrs duration had gained the maximum consumer preference with bright attractive flowers.