Effect of different drying methods and desiccants on drying quality of annual chrysanthemum and gerbera

Abstract

The present experiment entitled, “Effect of different drying methods and desiccants on drying quality of annual chrysanthemum and gerbera” was carried out at the laboratory of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh during the year 2019-2020. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with factorial concept and two factors i.e. drying methods viz. sun drying and shade drying and desiccants viz. river sand (red), river sand (black), sea sand, silica gel, borax powder and replicated thrice. Significant variation was observed in annual chrysanthemum and gerbera flowers for different drying methods with regard to sensory or quality parameters. Shade drying resulted in better quality parameters such as bright colour, well maintained shape, smooth petal texture, less mechanical damage during drying. Significant variation found among desiccants and sea sand embedding resulted better quality parameters. Along with sea sand another desiccant borax powder resulted in smooth textured flowers with less mechanical damage. Interaction effect was found significant except few days and shade drying with sea sand was found best for all the quality parameters.