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Dried and preserved ornamental plant material: Not new, but often overlooked and underrated
Abstract
In the context of a new floricultural crops symposium such as this, dried and preserved (D&P) ornamental plant materials cannot strictly be considered "new'. Nevertheless, they surely deserve attention. Being largely focused on the qualities of attractive living plants and plant parts, floriculturalists generally pay scant attention to D&P products. Accordingly, these products are often "overlooked and underrated'. They are overlooked in that their considerable economic importance is generally unrecognized, and they are underrated in that their aesthetic contribution is largely discounted. In contrast to other areas of postharvest floriculture, relatively little publicly funded research and development (R&D) has been undertaken on drying and preserving of ornamental materials with a view to optimizing treatments and product quality. Privately funded R&D work has been sustained, but findings are usually kept as closely guarded secrets in order to protect investments. It is possibly a consequence, at least in part, of the limited amount of public information on drying and preserving of ornamentals that the D&P industry is ill-defined in terms of products, processes and organization. For example, product descriptions and uniformity and quality standards, which underpin trade in most horticultural commodities, have not been generally established for D&P products. This paper presents an overview of the D&P ornamentals industry, including the common methods used in drying and preserving. In keeping with the location of this symposium, novel Australian plant products and the Australian industry are considered. The overall objective of the presentation is to increase awareness of the D&P ornamentals industry, with a view to stimulating greater public R&D support and enhanced industry professionalism in the trade of D&P products.
... However, a wrong choice of solvent can considerably influence the texture of the final product. Use of low volatile solvents like glycerine causes bleeding while high volatize solvents like ethylene alcohol and propylene alcohol causes complete shrinkage (Joyce, 1998). Hence, an appropriate combination of these solvents can be a reasonable choice. ...
... Improper choice of solvents and sequence of their usage can either cause bleeding or complete shrinkage of the plant materials. Hence, a combination of humectants with varied hygroscopic nature viz., Glycerine, Ethylene glycol, Propylene glycol seemed to be a reasonable choice, as already observed by Joyce (1998). ...
... Uptake of humectants in the transpiration stream characteristically slows markedly over the first few days; presumably as solute accumulation reflect progressive closure of an increasing proportion of the stomatal population. Thereafter, the sustained and relatively low rates of uptake observed could be indicative of humectants uptake and driven by transcuticular water loss (Joyce, 1998). The difference in performance of the foliage can be attributed to the difference in genetic makeup of the plants. ...
Processing techniques in dry flower industry assume great significance in determining the final quality of dry flower products. Preserving plant materials by glycerinisation with glycols is experimented on fragile leaves. The treatment T 3 (Glycerine 30% followed Ethylene glycol 30%) resulted in enhancement of quality characteristics for Myrtus sp., Thuja orientalis, Eucalyptus glaucescens and Asparagus virgatus in terms of percentage of minimum moisture loss (34.22, 25.51, 26.81 and 9.15, respectively. The pigment concentration viz., chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’ and total chlorophyll contents (0.877, 1.726, 1.685 and 1.406 mg g -1 respectively were also superior. The leaves scored better for quality parameters viz., texture and shape retention. As an improved glycerinisation technique 30 % Glycerine followed by 30 % Ethylene glycol resulted in soft near to natural leaves with minimum moisture loss and with maximum colour and shape retention.
... Least fading in colour was observed in Brilliant Green indicator dye (D7) (4.20) and flowers dyed with the solutions containing alum as a mordant scored more points (3.75). Adding mordant such as alum to the dye solution improves the contact between plant material and dye (Joyce, 1998) [5] . Results obtained are shown in Fig.1. ...
... Least fading in colour was observed in Brilliant Green indicator dye (D7) (4.20) and flowers dyed with the solutions containing alum as a mordant scored more points (3.75). Adding mordant such as alum to the dye solution improves the contact between plant material and dye (Joyce, 1998) [5] . Results obtained are shown in Fig.1. ...
... Dried flowers offer an excellent opportunity to Indian entrepreneurs because the country has a wide variety of floral materials, cheap labor, and a favorable climate (Gurumurti 1997). Dry flowers and foliage are attractive and possess a number of abilities, including ornamental, durable, lifelong, and year-round availability (Joyce 1998). The dried flowers and plant parts are natural, inexpensive, and have everlasting value with year-round availability (Safeena et al., 2006). ...
... As a result, preserved plant material is less brittle than dried plant material, making it less susceptible to shattering and mechanical damage (White 2007). Several workers have employed glycerin drying to preserve leaves for longer periods of time, as it is comparatively least expensive and has a good water holding capacity (Joyce 1998). Several types of foliage have been successfully preserved by immersing leaves or crushed stems in a 33 percent glycerol solution. ...
Fresh flowers are appealing and attractive, but maintaining their allure and fresh appearance for an extended period of time is difficult. To overcome this problem, the same flowers can be dried and processed into dry flowers that last indefinitely. Innovative ideas capable of providing solutions to social problems can be turned into money-spinning business opportunities. The dried flowers obtained can be used in various ways to produce significant items and would thus be able to assist with saving the climate from contamination caused due to improper disposal of flower waste. Dry flowers are the key components of the floriculture industry, which are rapidly rising in international trade. The dry flower industry is offering a big opportunity for the national economy in diversified dimensions by creating job opportunities and entrepreneurial development. Dry flowers are modest, extensive, and hold their aesthetic worth regardless of the period. Dried flowers and unused plant materials are offering opportunities for entrepreneurship by using dry flower technology. Practically all flowers, including leaves and other botanicals, can be viably dried with various drying methods. Apart from flower structure and time of collection, the quality of dried flowers incredibly relies upon the method of drying. Various methodologies needed for the production of dried alluring plant material incorporate air drying, press drying, embedded drying in desiccants, microwave oven drying, hot air oven drying, water drying, glycerin drying, and skeletonization. The information and knowledge gathered in this book may be useful in drawing the consideration of researchers to work on it. Other than that, business people can directly utilize the knowledge in the study as the suitable drying methods and approximate drying time for a variety of flowers and foliage have been enlisted in this book. [Saima Rashid Mir. CDry flowers. Rep Opinion 2023;15(1):28-46].ISSN1553-9873(print);ISSN2375-7205(online). http://www.sciencepub.net/report. 05.doi:10.7537/marsroj150123.05.
... By drying in absence of moisture, the microbial activity causing the ageing effect is drastically reduced. The main qualities of dried flowers include novelty, longevity, aesthetic, flexibility and year round availability (Joyce, 1998) [2] . The literature published on drying techniques is mostly related to the flora and fauna of temperate region. ...
... By drying in absence of moisture, the microbial activity causing the ageing effect is drastically reduced. The main qualities of dried flowers include novelty, longevity, aesthetic, flexibility and year round availability (Joyce, 1998) [2] . The literature published on drying techniques is mostly related to the flora and fauna of temperate region. ...
The present experiment entitled, "Impact of different drying methods and desiccants on storage 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 to know the impact of different drying methods and desiccants on storage quality of annual chrysanthemum and gerbera. 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. Flowers were dried properly as per treatments and observations were recorded. In case of storage parameters, shade dried flowers with sea sand resulted in acceptable flower colour with less mechanical damage. Along with that another treatment combination shade drying with borax powder resulted in less mechanical damage to flowers. However, acceptable shape with less attack of pest and disease noticed in sun drying with silica gel. It can be concluded from the present investigation that shade drying with sea sand produced quality dry flowers of annual chrysanthemum and gerbera during storage.
... Now, this process is moving to an art to science and has become a major economic activity on a global scale (Verma et al., 2012) [14] . The dried ornamental plants offer wide range qualities like novelty, longetivity, aesthetic properties and year round availability (Joycee, 1998) [8] . ...
... Now, this process is moving to an art to science and has become a major economic activity on a global scale (Verma et al., 2012) [14] . The dried ornamental plants offer wide range qualities like novelty, longetivity, aesthetic properties and year round availability (Joycee, 1998) [8] . ...
The present experiment was conducted on standardizing dehydration technique for Cleretum bellidiforme and Calendula officinalis by using embedding drying methods in room temperature and hot air oven at 55 °C. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments with 3 replications designed in completely randomized design. Treatments used were as; T1-fine silica (room temperature), T2-fine silica+borax (room temperature), T3-borax (room temperature), T4-soil (room temperature), T5-sand (room temperature), T6-sand (hot air oven at 55 °C), T7-borax (hot air oven at 55 °C), T8-fine silica (hot air oven at 55°C), T9-fine silica+ borax (hot air oven at 55 °C), T10-soil (hot air oven at 55 °C). In case of Cleretum bellidiforme dehydration, maximum reduction in flower weight (0.41g) was recorded in treatment T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 °C), T7 (0.41g) (borax embedding in hot air oven at 55˚ C) and T9 (0.41g) (fine silica+ borax embedding in hot air oven at 55˚ C). Minimum reduction in flower weight (0.27g) was recorded in treatment T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). Maximum flower diameter reduction (0.50 mm) after drying was reported in T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 ˚C) and minimum flower diameter reduction (0.10 mm) was recorded in T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). In case of Calendulla officinalis, maximum flower weight reduction (0.95g) was reported in T8 (silica embedding in hot air oven at 55˚C), which was found to be statistically superior to all other treatment. Minimum flower weight reduction (0.72g) was recorded in T4 (soil embedding, room temperature) and T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). Maximum flower diameter reduction (0.50 mm) was recorded in T4 (soil embedding, room temperature), which was found to be statistically highest diameter reduction from all other treatment. Minimum flower diameter reduction (0.10 mm) was recorded in T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 ˚C) and T1 (fine silica embedding in room temperature). Among all treatment, embedding drying with silica was found to be best in term of appearance and texture of these flowers after drying.
... Now, this process is moving to an art to science and has become a major economic activity on a global scale (Verma et al., 2012) [14] . The dried ornamental plants offer wide range qualities like novelty, longetivity, aesthetic properties and year round availability (Joycee, 1998) [8] . ...
... Now, this process is moving to an art to science and has become a major economic activity on a global scale (Verma et al., 2012) [14] . The dried ornamental plants offer wide range qualities like novelty, longetivity, aesthetic properties and year round availability (Joycee, 1998) [8] . ...
The present experiment was conducted on standardizing dehydration technique for Cleretum bellidiforme and Calendula officinalis by using embedding drying methods in room temperature and hot air oven at 55 °C. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments with 3 replications designed in completely randomized design. Treatments used were as; T1-fine silica (room temperature), T2-fine silica+borax (room temperature), T3-borax (room temperature), T4-soil (room temperature), T5-sand (room temperature), T6-sand (hot air oven at 55 °C), T7-borax (hot air oven at 55 °C), T8-fine silica (hot air oven at 55°C), T9-fine silica+ borax (hot air oven at 55 °C), T10-soil (hot air oven at 55 °C). In case of Cleretum bellidiforme dehydration, maximum reduction in flower weight (0.41g) was recorded in treatment T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 °C), T7 (0.41g) (borax embedding in hot air oven at 55˚ C) and T9 (0.41g) (fine silica+ borax embedding in hot air oven at 55˚ C). Minimum reduction in flower weight (0.27g) was recorded in treatment T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). Maximum flower diameter reduction (0.50 mm) after drying was reported in T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 ˚C) and minimum flower diameter reduction (0.10 mm) was recorded in T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). In case of Calendulla officinalis, maximum flower weight reduction (0.95g) was reported in T8 (silica embedding in hot air oven at 55˚C), which was found to be statistically superior to all other treatment. Minimum flower weight reduction (0.72g) was recorded in T4 (soil embedding, room temperature) and T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). Maximum flower diameter reduction (0.50 mm) was recorded in T4 (soil embedding, room temperature), which was found to be statistically highest diameter reduction from all other treatment. Minimum flower diameter reduction (0.10 mm) was recorded in T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 ˚C) and T1 (fine silica embedding in room temperature). Among all treatment, embedding drying with silica was found to be best in term of appearance and texture of these flowers after drying.
... Now, this process is moving to an art to science and has become a major economic activity on a global scale (Verma et al., 2012) [14] . The dried ornamental plants offer wide range qualities like novelty, longetivity, aesthetic properties and year round availability (Joycee, 1998) [8] . ...
... Now, this process is moving to an art to science and has become a major economic activity on a global scale (Verma et al., 2012) [14] . The dried ornamental plants offer wide range qualities like novelty, longetivity, aesthetic properties and year round availability (Joycee, 1998) [8] . ...
The present experiment was conducted on standardizing dehydration technique for Cleretum bellidiforme and Calendula officinalis by using embedding drying methods in room temperature and hot air oven at 55 °C. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments with 3 replications designed in completely randomized design. Treatments used were as; T1-fine silica (room temperature), T2-fine silica+borax (room temperature), T3-borax (room temperature), T4-soil (room temperature), T5-sand (room temperature), T6-sand (hot air oven at 55 °C), T7-borax (hot air oven at 55 °C), T8-fine silica (hot air oven at 55°C), T9-fine silica+ borax (hot air oven at 55 °C), T10-soil (hot air oven at 55 °C). In case of Cleretum bellidiforme dehydration, maximum reduction in flower weight (0.41g) was recorded in treatment T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 °C), T7 (0.41g) (borax embedding in hot air oven at 55˚ C) and T9 (0.41g) (fine silica+ borax embedding in hot air oven at 55˚ C). Minimum reduction in flower weight (0.27g) was recorded in treatment T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). Maximum flower diameter reduction (0.50 mm) after drying was reported in T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 ˚C) and minimum flower diameter reduction (0.10 mm) was recorded in T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). In case of Calendulla officinalis, maximum flower weight reduction (0.95g) was reported in T8 (silica embedding in hot air oven at 55˚C), which was found to be statistically superior to all other treatment. Minimum flower weight reduction (0.72g) was recorded in T4 (soil embedding, room temperature) and T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). Maximum flower diameter reduction (0.50 mm) was recorded in T4 (soil embedding, room temperature), which was found to be statistically highest diameter reduction from all other treatment. Minimum flower diameter reduction (0.10 mm) was recorded in T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 ˚C) and T1 (fine silica embedding in room temperature). Among all treatment, embedding drying with silica was found to be best in term of appearance and texture of these flowers after drying.
... Now, this process is moving to an art to science and has become a major economic activity on a global scale (Verma et al., 2012) [14] . The dried ornamental plants offer wide range qualities like novelty, longetivity, aesthetic properties and year round availability (Joycee, 1998) [8] . ...
... Now, this process is moving to an art to science and has become a major economic activity on a global scale (Verma et al., 2012) [14] . The dried ornamental plants offer wide range qualities like novelty, longetivity, aesthetic properties and year round availability (Joycee, 1998) [8] . ...
The present experiment was conducted on standardizing dehydration technique for Cleretum bellidiforme and Calendula officinalis by using embedding drying methods in room temperature and hot air oven at 55 °C. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments with 3 replications designed in completely randomized design. Treatments used were as; T1-fine silica (room temperature), T2-fine silica+borax (room temperature), T3-borax (room temperature), T4-soil (room temperature), T5-sand (room temperature), T6-sand (hot air oven at 55 °C), T7-borax (hot air oven at 55 °C), T8-fine silica (hot air oven at 55°C), T9-fine silica+ borax (hot air oven at 55 °C), T10-soil (hot air oven at 55 °C). In case of Cleretum bellidiforme dehydration, maximum reduction in flower weight (0.41g) was recorded in treatment T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 °C), T7 (0.41g) (borax embedding in hot air oven at 55˚ C) and T9 (0.41g) (fine silica+ borax embedding in hot air oven at 55˚ C). Minimum reduction in flower weight (0.27g) was recorded in treatment T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). Maximum flower diameter reduction (0.50 mm) after drying was reported in T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 ˚C) and minimum flower diameter reduction (0.10 mm) was recorded in T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). In case of Calendulla officinalis, maximum flower weight reduction (0.95g) was reported in T8 (silica embedding in hot air oven at 55˚C), which was found to be statistically superior to all other treatment. Minimum flower weight reduction (0.72g) was recorded in T4 (soil embedding, room temperature) and T5 (sand embedding, room temperature). Maximum flower diameter reduction (0.50 mm) was recorded in T4 (soil embedding, room temperature), which was found to be statistically highest diameter reduction from all other treatment. Minimum flower diameter reduction (0.10 mm) was recorded in T8 (fine silica embedding in hot air oven at 55 ˚C) and T1 (fine silica embedding in room temperature). Among all treatment, embedding drying with silica was found to be best in term of appearance and texture of these flowers after drying.
... Dehydration of flowers is the practice of preservation of flowers or the process of abolishing the moisture from flowers. Dry flowers and foliages are attractive and possess number of abilities including ornamental, durable, lifelong and year round availability (Joyce 1998) 2 . The dried flowers and plant parts are natural, inexpensive and have everlasting value with year around availability ( 3 ). ...
... Dehydration of flowers is the practice of preservation of flowers or the process of abolishing the moisture from flowers. Dry flowers and foliages are attractive and possess number of abilities including ornamental, durable, lifelong and year round availability (Joyce 1998) 2 . The dried flowers and plant parts are natural, inexpensive and have everlasting value with year around availability ( 3 ). ...
... Biofertilizers (N-fixing, mineral solubilization, cellulolytic microorganisms) facilitate economizing fertilizer nutrient use through utilizing BNF systems, solubilization less mobile nutrients from the fixed components and recycling of nutrients from crop residues. Integration of such systems makes the production system more stable and sustainable [21] . ...
... Though drying of flower was well known even in the past but for the first time the flowers were dried commercially in Germany. Dried and preserved ornamental products offer a wide range of qualities like novelty, longevity, aesthetic properties, flexibility and year round availability (Joyce, 1998). Dried flower products on the other hand are long lasting and retain their aesthetic value irrespective of the season (Malcolm, 1994). ...
Sustainable production could be achieved only when factors leading to continued maintenance of soil health. Many times, farmer could not get higher yield or higher income due to faulty management practices. Now a day, farmers are doing agriculture only with inorganic fertilizer. Farmers are not using organic manure in enough amounts that practices causing problem to soil health, crop health and environmental pollution. As compare to farmer practices, integrated nutrient management has improving soil physical properties and increasing available nutrient content in soil. Integrated nutrient management is a holistic approach in which both organic and inorganic fertilizer can use for production. The combine use of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer has been increase the nutrient use efficiency of fertilizer and also reduces the recommended dose of fertilizer. Apart from this, biofertilizers can mineralize organic manure, release plant growth promoting substance in soil and convert unavailable form inorganic form in to available form especially phosphorus and zinc. A comprehensive literature research revealed that INM increases crop yields by 8-150% as compared with conventional practices. Many investigators reported that farmer net income has increases with INM than farmer practices. Strong and convincing evidence indicates that INM practice could be an innovative and environment friendly practice for sustainable agriculture worldwide.
... Dried and preserved ornamental products offer a wide range of qualities like novelty, longevity, aesthetic properties, flexibility and year round availability (Joyce 1998). Dry flowers are essential export items both in Indian and International markets and Indian export basket composed of 71% dry flowers which are exported to mainly USA, Japan, Australia, Russia and Europe. ...
... per cent glycerol solution.Being an osmotic agent, glycerine replaces the water content of the tissues (Joyce, 1998). After ...
Dry flowers are essential export items both in Indian and International markets and Indian export basket composed of 71% dry flowers which are exported to mainly USA, Japan, Australia, Russia and Europe. The demand for dry flowers is increasing at an impressive rate of 8-10 per cent annually thus offering a lot of opportunities for the Indian entrepreneurs to enter in the global floricultural trade. A number of flowers respond well to drying techniques such as orchids, anemone, zinnia, allium, sweet william, carnation, stock, freesia, narcissus, chrysanthemum, pansy, daffodils, marigold, rose, lilies, foliage like ferns, aspidistra, eucalyptus, ivy, laurel, magnolia and mahonia etc. A number of drying techniques such as air drying, sun drying, press drying, embedded drying, microwave drying, freeze drying, molecular sieve drying and cryo drying, preservation techniques and value addition of dry flowers discussed in details.
... Though drying of flowers is well known even in the past but for the first time the flowers were dried commercially in Germany (Louis and Gibson 1982). Dried and preserved ornamental products offer a wide range of qualities like; novelty, longevity, aesthetic properties , flexibility and year round availability (Joyce 1998). Dried ornamental plant parts are generally less expensive and are sought for their everlasting and attractive appearance (Smith 2000). ...
... Glycerine drying has been used by several workers especially to preserve foliage. It is comparatively less expensive and has a high water attracting capacity (Joyce 1998). Many types of foliage have been successfully preserved by either immersing leaves or placing crushed stems in a 33% glycerol solution. ...
... The relatively low water potential should remove water from the cells by osmosis. Loss of turgor in guard cells causes stomata to close, thereby shutting down transpiration and consequently reducing solution and glycerol uptake rates (Joyce 1998). ...
... Tip wilt is presumably related to the degree of secondary thickening and hence structural strength of the tissue. Hardened foliage has more secondary thickening than unhardened foliage and is, therefore, better able to withstand the loss of turgor associated with glycerol uptake (Joyce 1998). Alternatively, Dubois and Joyce (1989) suggested that unhardened foliage may be more transpirationally active than older foliage. ...
This is the first report of experimentation aimed at developing a postharvest glycerol uptake treatment protocol for juvenile-form Eucalyptus cinerea foliage. Glycerol uptake and accumulation were monitored and the protocol was varied by adding the surfactant nonylphenolpolyglycol ether (Agral-600) to the preservation solution. Visual characteristics of preserved unhardened (soft or immature) and hardened (mature) foliage were assessed. Foliage respiration rate was monitored during treatment to establish when metabolic function ceased. Glycerol proved a suitable preservative for E. cinerea foliage, with 20% (v/v) solution being as effective as 30% solution. Addition of Agral-600 did not improve uptake and, in fact, lead to excessive drying of leaves. Hardened foliage was more suitable for treatment than unhardened, since it retained better colour and exhibited less tip wilt. Measurable respiration ceased within 1.5 days of commencing treatment with glycerol. Solution uptake was markedly reduced 2 days after treatment began, indicating failure of transpiration. Thus, metabolic functions ceased 1.5–2 days after uptake preservation commenced.
... Many types of foliage have been successfully preserved by either immersing leaves or placing crushed stems in a 33 per cent glycerol solution (De & Thapa., 2017;De et al., 2016). Being an osmotic agent, glycerine replaces the water content of the tissues (Joyce, 1998). After treating with glycerine, the plant material can be microwaved. ...
This book covers key areas of geography, earth science and environment. The contributions by the authors include sediment quality, heavy metals, geoaccumulation index, pollution load index, sustainable sediment management, groundwater recharge, floodwater harvesting, sustainable water management, micro and macro-catchment harvesting, aerosol optical depth, single-scattering albedo, light detection and ranging measurement, hybrid single-particle lagrangian integrated trajectory model, stishovite, coesite, raman spectroscopy,
supercritical fluid, waldheim prismatine rock, seasonal phytoplankton variations, water quality, water resource management strategies, indicators of pollution, soil physical variability, soil component, gully slope position variation, gully category, urban landfills, waste management, bird habitats, habitat disturbance, humanwildlife
conflicts, flower drying techniques, moisture retention, freeze drying,
press drying, silica gel drying, skeletonizing. This book contains various materials suitable for students, researchers, and academicians in the fields of geography, earth science and environment.
... Many types of foliage have been successfully preserved by either immersing leaves or placing crushed stems in a 33 per cent glycerol solution (De & Thapa., 2017;De et al., 2016). Being an osmotic agent, glycerine replaces the water content of the tissues (Joyce, 1998). After treating with glycerine, the plant material can be microwaved. ...
Dry and pressed flowers can be used for many purposes, such as making decorative floral craft items, greeting cards and covers, wall hangings, floral designs, calendars, floral balls, festive decorations and other creative displays. Dry flowers are essential export items both in Indian and International markets and the Indian export basket is composed of 71% dry flowers which are exported to mainly the USA, Japan, Australia, Russia and Europe. The demand for dry flowers is increasing at an impressive rate of 8-10 per cent annually thus offering a lot of opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs to enter into the global floricultural trade. A number of flowers respond well to drying techniques such as orchids, anemone, zinnia, allium, sweet william, carnation, stock, freesia, narcissus, chrysanthemum, pansy, daffodils, marigold, rose, lilies, foliage like ferns, aspidistra, eucalyptus, ivy, laurel, magnolia and mahonia etc. Drying is generally done under artificially produced heat and controlled temperature, humidity and airflow. For the removal of water from fresh flowers and plant parts, the optimum temperature needs to be determined, otherwise, the quality of the product can be affected. A number of drying techniques such as air drying, sun drying, press drying, embedded drying, microwave drying, freeze drying, molecular sieve drying and cryo-drying used in orchids are narrated in depth. Preservation techniques and value addition of dry flowers with special reference to orchids are discussed in detail. The study concluded that drying techniques could help uplift the economic status of many rural people, floriculturists, self-help groups, FPOs, traders and entrepreneurs.
... Glycerin drying is comparatively economical and has an excellent water-holding capacity; it has been used by numerous workers, notably for the prolonged preservation of leaves (Joyce 1998). Many different kinds of foliage have been successfully preserved by immersing leaves or crushing stems in a 33 percent glycerol solution. ...
The demand for dried flower-based products is steadily rising in today's eco-aware era owing to their outstanding characteristics, including unwavering quality, accessibility, sustainability, and compatibility for preparing numerous value-added products throughout the year. Various drying techniques can be employed to preserve different flowers, foliage, leaves, and other botanicals for use as decoration and ornamentation. Dehydrated flowers, foliage, seeds, and other products constitute India's dry flower industry. Suitable drying techniques can be applied to almost any sort of flower, including leaves and other botanicals. The process of drying is a crucial factor in determining the quality of dried flowers, in addition to flower structure and collection time. Air drying, press drying, desiccant drying, microwave oven drying, hot air oven drying, glycerin drying, and leaf vein clearing are some of the different processes involved in the production of dried and appealing plant material. The flowers dried using the aforementioned methods can be used to create a variety of aesthetically important items, thus creating employment opportunities, especially for rural women and housewives.
... Several workers have employed glycerine drying to preserve foliage in particular. It was less expensive in comparison and had a large water attracting capacity (Joyce, 1998). By submerging leaves or crushing stems in a 33 percent glycerol solution, many types of foliage have been effectively preserved. ...
Xeriscaping is the type of landscaping or gardening, which reduces or
eliminates the need for supplemental water or irrigation. It is promoted in regions
which do not have accessible, plentiful, or reliable supply of fresh water, and is
gaining acceptance in other regions as access to irrigation water is becoming
limited. Xeriscaped landscapes can reduce water use upto 60% or more compared
to regular landscapes. Green spaces are very important in maintaining the
ecological balance, but due to climate change and other problems like decreased
water “resources” the green spaces are being reduced in number so, xeriscaping
is an alternative approach to increase the number of green spaces mainly in water
scarcity areas. The aim of xeriscaping is to create a beautiful landscape in water�scare areas. Some areas use terms like water-conserving landscaping, drought�tolerant landscaping, and smart scaping instead of xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is a
type of natural landscaping in which emphasis is given on the plant selection for
water conservation. In areas with water scarcity or to reduce water usage,
xeriscaping can be recommended which not only adds beautification but also
serves as green spaces.
... Dried flowers can have a longer shelf life if they are dried under proper technique (Sheela, 2008). Dried products prepared from ornamental plants have a huge range of characteristics together with unique quality, longer durability, creativity, flexibility, and all-year availability for flower lovers (Joyce, 1998). Dried flower industries can assist in the creation of jobs for other family members, rural women, physically challenged individuals, and farmers where these unemployed persons can easily generate more income. ...
Imposing lockdown amid COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected flower cultivation and their trades. Flower plants are very sensitive to the harvesting, and any unexpected delay may cause great loss (~ 50–60%) to the farmers. In 2018–2019, the worth of total production of floriculture products was ~ Rs 571.38 crore. During lockdown, the availability of human laborers and restricted transport has disrupted the supply of flowers to the market. Hence, some alternative options are suggested here for the farmers, for example, conversion of decorative flowers (e.g., anthurium, China aster, globe amaranthus, sweet-william, anemone, sea lavender, etc.) and inflorescence (e.g., Michaelmas daisy, zinnia, statice, ferns, aspidistra, eucalyptus, magnolia, etc.) can also be into value-added products through drying and dehydration technologies. Many dehydration methods such as hot air oven, solar drying, press drying, freeze-drying, embedded drying, glycerine drying, and microwave oven drying polyester drying can be used for flower drying at room temperature (~ 25 °C). These floral and foliage dehydration techniques are quite simple, which can also be operated by unskilled persons. Moreover, it will generate self-employment for the youth and women along with increased revenue than selling fresh flowers. In this review, different techniques of flower drying have been discussed in detail along with the influencing factors, efficiency, economic feasibility, flower waste management and sustainability. Further, it has also been suggested how these techniques could be useful for farmers, researchers, and traders to create value-added products? Hence, the present paper could be very interesting for the flower growers, retailers, students, as well as floricultural scientists who are involved in flower production worldwide.
Graphical Abstract
... Though drying of flowers was well known even in the past but for the first time the flowers were dried commercially in Germany [5]. Dried and preserved ornamental products offer a wide range of qualities like novelty, longevity, aesthetic properties, flexibility and year-round availability [6]. ...
Dry flowers have been used in the artistic creation and ornamentation for many years. There is also an immense market of dry flowers throughout the world. The handiness of abundant plant material is one of the driving forces to nurture your hobby of preparing, crafting and developing dried plant material. Unlike fresh flowers, that easily slack their appeal and market value dried flowers prevail for longer periods if properly preserved; hence, dry flowers and foliages have great potential as alternative for fresh flowers. The present paper describes the commercial importance of dry flowers and the introduction of new techniques for the enhancement of dry flower industry.
... Glycerin drying has been used by several workers, especially for the longer preservation of leaves, as it is comparatively the least expensive and has a good water holding capacity [21]. Many different kinds of foliage have been successfully preserved by immersing leaves or crushing stems in a 33 percent glycerol solution. ...
In the present time of eco-awareness, the demands of dry flower based items is consistently expanding due to their remarkable properties like never-ending quality, year around accessibility, eco-accommodating and appropriateness for the preparation of different value added products. The idea of flower drying is an age old and well established process in India. Dry flowers and other dried botanicals have been traded throughout the previous 40 years and today, India is one of the driving nation in this industry. Practically all flowers including leaves and other plant botanicals can be viably dried with various drying methods. Apart from flower structure and time of collect, the quality of dry flowers incredibly relies upon the method of drying. Various methodologies needed for the production of dried alluring plant material incorporates air drying, press drying, glycerin drying, silica gel drying, microwave oven drying, hot air oven drying, water drying and skeletonization. The flowers dried followed above drying techniques can be used for making of various aesthetic products such as greeting cards, photo frames, tablemats, coasters, wall hangings, landscapes and different types of flower arrangements.
... "The dried ornamental products offer a wide range of qualities like novelty, longevity, aesthetic properties, flexibility and year round availability" [10]. "Processing of dry flower involves mainly three steps namely drying, bleaching and colouring" [11]. ...
Value added floriculture is a process of increasing the economic value and consumer appeal of any floral commodity through processing and packaging diversification. The value addition for marketing flowers includes adoption of postharvest technology and improved logistics. Value- addition ensures high premium to the grower, while providing more acceptable quality products for the domestic and export market, and it provides the most important aspects of marketing and give the customers a reason to buy such products. Value addition reduces post-harvest losses and diversifies the economic base of rural communities. The value-added products can be classified into three categories namely fresh flower products, dried flower products and processed flower products. The success of floral industry lies upon by strengthening the fresh flower market through value addition. Dry flower value added products of flowers through different methods have shown promising results. Tinting of cut carnation with food dye Pink and Orange Red @ 5% recorded the fastest uptake of 1 hour Jasminum sambac flowers harvested at the fully open stage yielded better quality essential oil compared with flowers harvested at the closed bud stage. Marigold is one of the richest source of carotenoids especially lutein which possess antioxidant activities and moreover intake of lutein helps in curing age related macular diseases. Natural dyes are mostly used in the colouring of textiles, drugs, cosmetics, etc. Chrysanthemum petals can be used as a substitute of synthetic reactive dyes for dyeing of cotton and silk fabrics (Das et al., 2016). Marigold flower provides a source of carotenoids commercially used in food colouring industries and poultry feed high in carotenoids has been shown to increase performance and egg yolk color as well as decrease egg cholesterol levels.
... Raw materials in bulk quantity are being exported from India to the developed countries like UK, Japan and America, where dried floral arrangements are of great demand. Dried and preserved ornamental products offer a wide range of qualities like novelty, longevity, aesthetic properties, flexibility and year-round availability (Joyce, 1998). ...
Dry flower market has grown exponentially as consumers become eco-conscious and choose dry flowers as eco-friendly and biodegradable alternative to fresh flowers. Dried flowers and other plant parts are nature’s everlasting gift which can be treasured over years. They have tremendous potential as substitute for fresh flowers and foliage as their charm can be maintained from few months to years with lesser cost. The market demand of dry flowers and ornamentals is increasing day by day and can become lucrative income generating hobby for entrepreneurs in India either by producing or marketing dried flowers and ornamentals.
... During loss of moisture from fresh ornamental parts, flaccidity and shrinkage is the common phenomena that led to losing the shape, appearance and market value of the samples but using this technique they retain their original shape and texture after drying (Joyce 1998). ...
Drying techniques are one of the best methods to preserve ornamental parts of plant especially flowers for their year round availability, longevity, quality, novelty, easy handling, low transportation cost as well as eco-friendly. Some of the methods of drying viz. air drying, press drying, oven drying, glycerine drying, freeze drying, embedded drying etc. applied in preparation of decorative floral crafts items like cards, floral segments, wall hangings, landscapes, calendars, potpourris etc. for various purposes. The environmental factors viz. day length, temperature, rainfall etc. of particular area determine vegetation and flowering. Diversifications in these factors compel to produce diverse range of ornamental materials which provide great opportunities for rural as well as urban people to engage themselves in drying industry. It is not only flowers but also other plant parts viz. foliage, branches, seed pods, grains, cones, nuts, berries, fruits, etc. can be dried and marketed to generate job and self employment.
... Dehydrated flowers and foliages are near to natural, preserved and processed, having beauty as well as long lasting characteristics. They also provide novelty, longevity, aesthetics, flexibility and year round availability (Joyce, 1998) to these plants. Dried ornamental plant parts can be retained from few months to years with lesser cost, if shielded from the damage of high humidity as in desiccated objects the microbial activity and ageing effect come to a standstill in the absence of moisture (Desh and Gupta, 2003). ...
Elevated rate of respiration and ethylene evolution along with the highly perishable and delicate nature of fresh blooms act as stumbling blocks to uphold freshness and charm of ornamental flowers year-round, in contrast to, perfectly dried, preserved and processed flowers which include novelty, longevity, aesthetics, flexibility and year round availability. The current investigation was undertaken employing three annual flowering species namely Chrysanthemum morifolium L., Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. and Gaillardia pulchella Foug. 'Red plume' to explore the aptness of six pure drying media viz., silica gel, white sand, corn meal, saw dust, rice and wheat bran and four combination media of silica gel with corn meal and sand at 1:1 and boric acid with sand and saw dust at 1:1 using embedded drying technique under both microwave oven and ambient condition for varied duration. Initially, the impact of diverse desiccants and periods on aforesaid samples were evaluated..15 min for Coreopsis sp. and 2, 5, 5, 4, 4, 4, 2, 2, 4, 4 days and 1.15, 1.45, 2.30, 2.15, 2.15, 2.15, 2, 2.15, 1.30, 2 min for Gaillardia sp. under ambient and microwave state duo were found optimum for aforementioned embedded materials. At maximum duration the elevated rate of moisture loss along with distorted characteristics like petal detachments, crispy petals, etc., were apparent irrespective of materials and conditions. For chrysanthemum and Coreopsis sp., moisture loss of 71.75 and 70.89% by rice bran and corn meal and 69.37% by wheat bran and silica gel under microwave drying were perceived while 83.61 and 83.52% loss was noted in sawdust and corn meal under ambient condition in Gaillardia sp. Retention of anthocyanin and sugar content were satisfactory in sawdust, sand:boric acid and corn meal treatment of chrysanthemum, Coreopsis sp. and Gaillardia sp., respectively, under microwave condition as compared to control. Conclusively, pure drying media with microwave drying were found superior regarding post-drying parameters and longevity under polyethylene wrap also for all species.
... The data pertaining to the influence of duration of glycerol pre-treatment on dry weight, moisture loss and time taken for drying are presented in Table-1. The humectants like glycerol are hygroscopic chemicals which help to maintain the suppleness of material by attracting the water vapour from the surrounding atmosphere, which makes preserved plant material less brittle (Joyce, 1998). ...
... Dehydrated flowers and foliages are near to natural, preserved and processed, having beauty as well as long lasting characteristics. They also provide novelty, longevity, aesthetics, flexibility and year round availability (Joyce, 1998) to these plants. Dried ornamental plant parts can be retained from few months to years with lesser cost, if shielded from the damage of high humidity as in desiccated objects the microbial activity and ageing effect come to a standstill in the absence of moisture (Desh and Gupta, 2003). ...
... During loss of moisture from fresh ornamental parts, flaccidity and shrinkage is the common phenomena that led to losing the shape, appearance and market value of the samples but using this technique they retain their original shape and texture after drying (Joyce 1998). ...
... Being an osmotic agent, glycerine replaces the water content of the tissues Joyce [23]. After treating with glycerine, the plant material can be micro waved. ...
... So, consequent upon this, dry flowers and plant materials have established a tremendous potentiality as a substitute for fresh flowers and foliages for vase decoration, along with other artistic and commercial purposes in exteriors and interiors. The main characteristics of dried flowers include novelty, longevity, aesthetics, flexibility and year round availability (Joyce, 1998). India accounts less than 5% of this account (Sheela, 2008), even though the increasing trend of this trade is very encouraging. ...
... The data pertaining to the influence of duration of glycerol pre-treatment on dry weight, moisture loss and time taken for drying are presented in Table-1. The humectants like glycerol are hygroscopic chemicals which help to maintain the suppleness of material by attracting the water vapour from the surrounding atmosphere, which makes preserved plant material less brittle (Joyce, 1998). ...
The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of packaging materials and storage
conditions on post-harvest quality of loose flowers of tuberose var. Maxican Single. It is revealed
from the data that at ambient temperature, reduction in flower weight ranged from 12.38%
(polythene bags) to 57.25% (nylon net bags) as observed on 3rd day of storage. On 5th dayof
storage there was more than 50% reduction in flower weight in all the treatments. At refrigerated
temprrature (5°C), process of loss in flower weight was slow and ranged from 17.57% to 86.86%
as observed on 11th days of storage after packing in polythene bags (200 gauge) and bamboo
basket + newspaper lining, respectively. It is concluded from the present experiment that shelf life
of tuberose florets packed in polythene bags (200 gauge) and stored at 5°C temperature was
enhanced up to 11th days with 17.57 % reduction in flower weight.
... The reasons of entry of dry flowers in the florist trade can be identified as of fulfilling conscious demand for eco-friendly natural materials for using in living room and fresh flowers are the best solution but these are perishable, delicate and even after different post harvest treatment for enhancing shelf-life it can only be extended to an extent of forty percent (Ranjan and Mishra 2002). On the other hand dried plant materials are extra special as they possess the characteristics of novelty, eco-friendly, aesthetically near to fresh flowers, flexibility and year round availability (Joyce 1998). In the situation of climatic abnormalities in different parts of the country which is not congenial for growing or keeping cut flowers in vases, dried flowers here have established its tremendous potentiality which is very much observed during the last decades (Dhatt et al. 2007). ...
The eco-friendly dehydrated foliages and plant parts secured much popularity among users and becoming key components in floriculture industry. Foliages with highly variable keeping quality are used as filler element in flower-vase. Dehydration of foliages has not been studied at large. This investigation was carried out with ornamental foliage's of three species viz. Araucaria cunninghamii, Thuja orientalis and Juniperus chinensis. White sand, silica gel and boric acid were used as embedding materials and two drying conditions of microwave oven and room drying were adopted for three durational treatments of viz. 10, 20 and 30 seconds and 4, 8 and 16 days respectively. In both Araucaria and Thuja orientalis, silica gel + microwave oven combination for 30 and 20 seconds respectively exhibited best results in respect of moisture loss (49.23 and 58.33 per cent) and quality concern. White sand + room condition also caused 61.41per cent moisture loss in Thuja orientalis while treated for 16 days. In Juniperus chinensis, white sand + microwave oven and silica gel + room condition for 20 seconds and 16 days respectively showed moisture loss of 44.26 and 50.16 per cent respectively. Boric acid as embedding materials also found effective in dehydration of these species. All the three species were treated with glycerin : water solution of 1:1 and 1:3 (vol/vol) for 24, 48 and 96 hours followed by drying with aid of hot air oven at 70-80 o C for 5 hours and open air of room condition for 24 hours. Significant moisture loss of 60.56 to 62.56 per cent was recorded in Thuja orientalis while dehydrated in hot-air-oven for 96 hours. Highlights • Well-liked, environmentally benign desiccated foliages and plant parts can be potentially employed as filler substance in flower-vase, pivotal element in floriculture industry not expansively investigated. • White sand, silica gel and boric acid as desiccating agents and microwave oven and ambient condition as dehumidifying state for 10, 20 and 30 seconds and 4, 8 and 16 days respectively were manoeuvred for dehydrating 3 ornamental foliages presently. • Regarding moisture loss of Araucaria cunninghamii, Thuja orientalis and Juniperus chinensis silica gel and white sand+ microwave oven combination for 30 and 20 seconds evinced unparallel. • Abet of hot air oven at 70-80° C for 5 hours only Thuja orientalis manifested notable moisture loss after treating with glycerin: water solution of 1:1 and 1:3 (vol/vol) for 96 hours.
... Glycerin was reported to be accumulated in intercellular spaces (Campbell et al., 2000;Joyce, 1998). According to the previous research, the optimal concentration of glycerin in the preservative solution for preserved flowers was 25-50%, and a higher glycerin concentration resulted in a more deformed flower shape (Yoo et al., 2008). ...
Preserved flowers are the processed floral materials that have been used for floral decoration. They are produced by replacing the internal moisture in fresh flowers with softening agent, such as glycerin. In order to accurately evaluate the quality of the preserved flowers according to the condition of the preservative solution, we examined the textural characteristics, including the hardness, stiffness, deflection, strain, and relaxation. Rose ‘Heaven’ was used as the experiment material. Flowers were dehydrated in a 100% ethanol solution for 24 hours, and soaked in four preservative solutions with different composition ratios (v/v) of glycerin and propylene glycol (PG) for 48 hours for the preservation treatments. The flower diameter was 95.2%, 94.3%, and 98.8% of that before the treatment when 5%, 10%, and 15% PG was added, respectively. The diameter decreased to 81.8% when 25% glycerin without PG was added. These results show that the PG caused less change in the flower size than glycerin. From the results of the texture analysis, the values of deflection and strain of the preserved flowers that were treated in the 25% glycerin preservative solution were highest at 4.5 N and 44.7 N with high flexibility, whereas they showed lower hardness and stiffness values than the preserved flowers of other treatments. Meanwhile, the stiffness and hardness of the surface increased with the addition of 20% PG to the glycerin solution. In conclusion, the preservative solution of 5% glycerin and 20% PG was evaluated as the best condition in the production of preserved flowers for floral decoration with rose ‘Heaven’. It had proper mechanical characteristics of stiffness and hardness as 10.4 N and 7.1 N, without concerning of the improper condition for floral decoration, such as brittleness and hanging down.
... A given definition for a biocide is "a substance that kills all living organisms (commonly used with reference to microorganisms), pathogenic or non-pathogenic" (Block, 1991b). In the context of handling cut stems of ornamental plant species in preservative (Joyce, 1998), pulsing (Joyce, 1993) and vase solutions (Knee, 2000), biocides are considered important to achieve the full postharvest longevity inherent in cut flowers and foliage (Van Doorn, 1997); that is, provision of antimicrobial biocides in vase solutions prolongs their vase life Ketsa et al., 1995;Knee, 2000;Pompodakis et al., 2004;Put et al., 1992;Van Doorn et al., 1990, 1991a. The dictionary definition of an antimicrobial is "active against microorganisms" (Pearsall, 1998). ...
The vase life of cut flowers and foliage is often shortened by vascular occlusions that constrict vase solution supply. Reductions in stem conductivity are typically caused by blockage of cut stem ends and xylem conduits by microbes, physiological plugging, and disruption of water columns in xylem vessels by cavitation and air emboli. Cut flower and foliage longevity can be greatly affected by the chemical composition of the vase solution. Provision of biocides prolongs the vase life of numerous species. A broad range of biocides has been suggested to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms in vase solutions; however, their assumed antimicrobial action may be confounded by their other physicochemical effects. In this context, the response of cut stems to biocides may also vary according to the cut flower or foliage type, the specific microorganisms involved, and other vase solution ingredients. This paper explores the efficacy and multifunctional roles of vase solution biocidal agents used in industry and by researchers for cut flowers and foliage.
Dry flowers have been used as commercial art for many years, with an immense business enterprise throughout the world. Beautifully arranged dried flowers may be a little bit pricier, but they are quite long-lasting and can last for many years. The dry flower industry is offering a big opportunity for the national economy in diversified dimensions by creating job opportunities and entrepreneurial development. Dry flowers are modest, extensive and hold their aesthetic worth regardless of the period. Air drying, press drying, embedded drying in desiccants, hot air oven drying, microwave oven drying, glycerine drying and skeletonization are among the techniques used to create dried appealing plant material. The dried flowers obtained using the aforementioned drying procedures can be used to make a variety of value-added products, including greeting cards, photo frames, tablemats, coasters, wall hangings, landscapes and different types of flower arrangements.
The commercial enterprise of floriculture is growing speedily throughout the globe, it has huge potential for export. The integral part of floriculture is cut flowers, but it is strenuous to continue their charm and fresh look for longer time even by using the best techniques of post harvest technology. To conquer this problem the same flowers and foliage can be dried to prolong their beauty and freshness which hold both economic and aesthetic importance. Dry flowers are inexpensive, long-lived and retain their aesthetic value irrespective of the season. The industry is likely to come up with a lot of country's economy in comparison to cut flowers, dry flowers can be utilized in creating of various economically useful products and can empower people in abundance especially to rural women's and housewives. The demands of industry can be effectively augmented by establishing new techniques like processed leaf venation preparation and preservation. Thus with the appropriate technique of clearing and other preservation procedures beautiful structure of leaves can be preserved and can be employed in the preparation of various value added products.
More than three fourth of the export basket of Indian floricultural products comprises of dry flowers and different handmade items made from botanical specimens, presented in a dried and colored form. With the increasing awareness for natural ecofriendly products, dried flowers have attained prime importance in the floriculture industry. It constitutes nearly 15% of the global floriculture business, and considering the present COVID-19-related pandemic situation, dry flower industry is going to become more relevant. At present, the industry relies substantially on gathering of flowers from the wild and drying those using conventional methods. However, some fresh flowers are also converted into dry flowers for better returns, including chrysanthemum, dahlias, marigold, jute flowers, wood roses, lotus pods, and lilies among others. Over 70 lakh people, mostly in rural areas, earn their livelihood from production of handicrafts and related activities through low capital investment. Dry flowers and plant materials have tremendous potential as substitute for fresh flowers and foliage for interior decoration as well as for a variety of other aesthetic and commercial uses. This chapter provides all relevant and latest information, which could be helpful in drawing the attention of the researchers and scientists to work on it. Besides the entrepreneurs would be directly benefitted by utilizing the knowledge reviewed in this chapter and expected to contribute a lot to the country’s economy.
Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) is a common lac host for kusmi and rangeeni strain of Kerria lacca. In the present study, morphological, biochemical and physiological traits of 23 ber cultivars/varieties were analyzed during 2011–12 and 2012–13 to identify traits for high lac production under rainfed growing areas. Ber varieties were significantly different for morphological, biochemical and physiological traits. Canopy, shape, branching pattern of tree (morphological traits); initial settlement density, mean settlement length and sex ratio (among lac attributing traits); total sugars, soluble protein and chlorophyll content index (among biochemical and physiological traits) had significant association with scrapedlac. Best sub-set regression using R2 for scrapedlac revealed that only sex ratio has predicted 62% of scrapedlac yield. Four traits, viz., canopy and branching pattern of tree, sex ratio of lac insect and soluble protein in leaves of ber varieties were able to assess it up to 67% and these traits may be used as marker, while selecting host ber varieties for kusmi lac production. Based on these parameters, out of 23 ber varieties four (Kaithali, Jogia, Seb × Gola (F1) and Banarasi Karaka) were identified as promising for lac cultivation in rainfed regions of Jharkhand.
The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of micro wave oven drying on dry flower quality of four cultivars of Dutch rose flowers viz., Skyline, Lambada, Ravel and First Red. The experiment was laid out in three factorial completely randomized design. Quality parameters such as colour (3.48), appearance (3.51) and texture (3.29) were superior in flowers dried for 2.5 min by embedding in silica gel, while unacceptable quality was obtained in case of flowers dried without any embedding medium. With respect to mode of desiccation, embedded drying was best for quality parameters viz., colour (2.92), appearance (2.81) and texture (2.55); however, non-embedding methods were least acceptable for quality parameters. The results of the present study also suggest that flowers of cv. ‘Lambada’ dried by embedding in silica gel would yield best quality dried flowers as it scored maximum point for all the quality parameters studied. Also, it is evidenced from the present study that flowers of cv. ‘Lambada’ dried for 2.5 min was best for quality parameters, viz., colour (2.53), appearance (2.56) and texture (2.41).
BiologyPost-harvest handling practicesMarketing and consumptionPreservationConclusion
Stems of annual statice (Limonium sinuatum Mill.) were harvested from the field in 1982 and soaked in varying concentrations of glycerol:water solutions for 24 and 48 h and then microwaved for 0, 1, 3 or 5 min. Half of the branch stems were measured for flexibility, with the remainder being assessed 1 year later. Stems harvested in 1983 were wet- and dry-stored at 3°C for varying lengths of time and then preserved. Preservation was best when statice was preserved immediately. Cold storage decreased preserved statice flexibility, but was better than air-drying. Fresh cut statice stems, up to 34 cm long, should be preserved by soaking in a 1:2 or 1:3 glycerol:water solution for 48 h followed by microwaving for 1 min at medium-high (34°C).
Glycerol is used as a humectant to maintain the suppleness of preserved ornamental plant material. This study determined the effects of glycerol concentration, ionic strength, pH, biocides, vapour pressure deficit, and postharvest treatments (prewilting and stem fraying) on glycerol uptake. The volume of solution taken up decreased as glycerol concentration was increased from 10% to 30% (v/v). However, the amount of glycerol accumulated by plant tissue increased with increasing concentration. Addition of 10 or 100 mM NaCl or KCl to the glycerol solution increased glycerol uptake by about 10%. Varying pH (2 to 8) of the glycerol solution had no differential effect on uptake. Soluble biocides (sodium dichloroisocyanurate, copper sulphate and benzalkonium chloride) did not affect glycerol solution uptake. However, poorly soluble fungicide mixtures (benomyl + iprodione + furlaxyl and propiconazole + propamocarb + procymidone) blocked the stems. Maintenance of a large vapour pressure deficit (VPD) greatly enhanced glycerol solution uptake. Prewilting the foliage for 12 h increased the initial rate of solution uptake. Stem fraying did not increase uptake of glycerol solution.