Improvement in Quality and Vase Life of Iris Flower by Salicylic Acid

Iris is very beautiful flower with a wide range of colors but with short vase life. The role of growth regulators have been significant in improving cut flowers vase life. Salicylic acid is one of the important growth regulator that may increase the shelf life of cut flowers. Present study was performed in the experimental area of Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid University, Rawalpindi to explore the effect of different concentrations of salicylic acid [0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 SA mM] along with control on vase life of three cultivars. The collected data was analyzed statistically by using MSTAT-C and the means were compared for significance. Results indicated that Wedge Wood cultivar showed maximum flower size at SA @1 mM/L, while minimum flower size was observed with the same cultivar in control plots. Cultivar Pride of Holland showed maximum vase life at SA @1 mM/L while, minimum vase life was observed with Wedge Wood cultivar in control plots. SA@1mM/L is best for Iris flower vase life and quality.