Effect of microwave oven drying technology on dehydration of ornamental foliage

Abstract

Dry flowers beauty and value can be reserved and enjoyed for years. A study was undertaken with an objective to standardize microwave oven drying technology for dehydration of ornamental foliages. It can be concluded that embedding in silica gel and microwave oven drying (720 micro power i.e. medium high) for 2 min found suitable technique for dehydration of ornamental leaves viz., Mussaenda erythrophylla, Lantana camara leaves, 2.5 min found appropriate for Tagetes spp. leaves, 3 min found ideal for Bauhinia variegata, Azadirachta indica leaves and Thuja orentalis foliage, 3.5 min found suitable for Aralia balfouriana leaves, 4 min found ideal for Ficus religious and Schefflera arboricola leaves. Embedding in sand and microwave oven drying for 4.5 min found appropriate for dehydration of Ficus benjamina leaves.