IMPROVEMENT IN POSTHARVEST ATTRIBUTES OF ZINNIA (ZINNIA ELEGANS CV. BENARY’S GIANT) CUT-FLOWERS BY THE APPLICATION OF VARIOUS GROWTH REGULATORS

Abstract

Zinnias are timeless and classic cut flowers, holding prestigious position in the cut flower industry for their versatility, numerous colors and low maintenance. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) play fundamental function in coordination of many growth and behavioral processes in the plant life. Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic acid in nature and participates in the regulation of many physiological processes in plant body, maintains water homeostasis and triggers defense mechanism. The experiment was designed to evaluate these hormones for increase in quality and shelf life of zinnia cut flowers. Maximum water uptake 150.7 ml was observed at IAA @ 150 mg L-1 and maximum vase life of flower 11.33 days at SA @ 50 mg L-1. The maximum percentage of flower color and physical appearance (67% excellent) was recorded at NAA@100 mg L-1, however, maximum structural integrity (67% excellent) was recorded at SA@150 mg L-1. These findings are recommended results in line with other studies will be further helpful for the commercial recommendations to obtain cultivation of zinnia with good quality and better vase life. in zinnia cut flowers.