Extending vase life of blue water lily (Nymphaea stellata) using different preservative solutions

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of different preservative solutions to extend the vase life of blue water lily (Nymphaea stellata). Experimentation was arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD) with eight treatments along with distilled water used as the control treatment and each treatments replicated thrice. A preliminary trial was conducted to find out the best chemical solution/s and experiment 2, best concentrations using Al2 (SO3)4 200ppm, Clorox 0.5%, and Sugar 2.0% under laboratory conditions (23 ⁰C) with continuous light intensity of two florescent bulbs. The best concentration/s selected in the preliminary trail was used for next experiment. Non-parametric data, such as wilting of petals and sepal, sepal color, petiole rigidity, petiole color, were recorded based on the visual observations and the data were analyzed using statistical analysis system (SAS). Results reveled, cut flowers treated with combination treatment under laboratory condition, Al2(SO3)4 200ppm and Clorox 0.5% + sugar 2.0% of distilled water at 23⁰C were the best solutions to lengthen the vase life of blue water lily flowers up to seven days from harvest.