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Abstract
Gerbera is one of ten popular cut flowers in the world which occupies the forth place according to the global trends in floriculture. . Parameters of fresh weight, stem bending, petal discolouration and vase- life were evaluated. Presently, the experiments are set up to investigate the effect of some chemical preservatives such as 8-HQS (8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate; 20,40 mg/l), Cacl2.2H20 (Calcium chloride,10,20 mg/l)) alone or in combination with 4% sucrose. Among all treatments, 8-HQS treatment showed the best effects on preventing stem bending, increasing fresh weight and prolong the vase-life. Using solution of 8-HQS (20 mg/l) alone or in combination with 4% sucrose ,significantly increased water uptake, vase life and decreased stem bending during all shelf life periods (3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th) as compared to other treatments. The chemical solutions CaCl2 (10mg/l) when supplemented with 4% increased fresh weight and considerably reduces the bending deviation respectively on 9th and12 th day.