Content area

Full text

 
Headnote

ABSTRACT

Experiments were carried out to standardize the drying methods for carnation flowers. Of the two desiccants used in the study, silica gel took less time (67.2 h) to dry when compared to sand (96.4 h). Better quality of dried flowers was obtained by using silica gel as desiccant. Among the various drying methods, shade drying of flowers gained maximum acceptability for colour (4.17), appearance (4.5) and texture (3.8). Oven drying the flowers was statistically on far with shade drying. W ith respect to duration of drying, oven drying was quickest (0.10 h) whereas, shade drying was slowest (240.7 h). An interaction effect of drying methods and desiccants was highly significant with respect to both quality of dried flower and duration. Best quality dried flowers were obtained in flowers embedded in silica gel and dried under shade. Oven drying flowers with silica gel as desiccant was statistically on far with best treatment i.e silica gel and dried under shade. Duration of drying was least in Oven drying flowers with silica gel as desiccant.

Key words : Dehydration, Standardization, Drying method, Silica gel.

INTRODUCTION

Preservation of plant materials by drying and dehydration is one of the oldest methods. The earliest form of preserving the flowers was by drying in either shade or sun, which could not maintain the colour and shape of the flowers. With development of civilization the method of drying also improved. Most recently interest of people towards dry flowers is increasing due to its long lasting quality. But, due to lack of knowledge of drying techniques and proper desiccants, quality of dry flowers is not acceptable in the market. There is scanty information on carnation. Therefore, an effort was made to standardize the drying techniques and desiccants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Carnation cultivar Domingo was chosen for the present study. Based on the preliminary experiments conducted, the flowers were harvested at paint brush stage and pre-treated with 1:5 glycerol to water for 24 hours. By the...

Show less