RRJoCST (2018) 10-15 © STM Journals 2018. All Rights Reserved Page 10 Research & Reviews: Journal of Crop Science and Technology ISSN: 2319-3395 (Online) Volume 7, Issue 3 www.stmjournals.com Effect of Different Preservatives on Vase Life of Tuberose T.N. Sigma*, M.A. Hoque, M.M. Hossain Department of Horticulture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh Abstract An experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Salna, Gazipur, Bangladesh during September 2015 to August 2016 to find out suitable preservative(s) of vase solution that increases vase life of tuberose (CV. Single). Nine treatments viz., T1= 1% sucrose +300 ppm Hydroxy Quinolene Sulphate (HQS), T2= 2% sucrose +300 ppm HQS, T3= 3% sucrose +300 ppm HQS, T4 =4% sucrose +300 ppm HQS, T5= 1% sucrose +300 ppm HQS+ 25 ppm citric acid, T6= 2% sucrose +300 ppm HQS+ 25 ppm citric acid, T7= 3% sucrose +300 ppm HQS+ 25 ppm citric acid, T8= 4% sucrose +300 ppm HQS+ 25 ppm citric acid and T9= Control (Tap water) were included in the trial. Results revealed that the highest percentage of opened floret, lowest percentage of floret deterioration, high water uptake and longest vase life (10 days) was observed in T7; where, 3% sucrose + 300 ppm HQS + 25 ppm citric acid was used. Therefore, for increasing vase life in tuberose, vase solution supplementing with 3% sucrose, 300 ppm HQS and 25 ppm citric acid could be used. Keywords: tuberose, Hydroxy Quinolene Sulphate (HQS), sucrose, citric acid, vase life *Author of Correspondence E-mail: tahsinnaharsigma@gmail.com INTRODUCTION Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is an important cut flower crop from aesthetic as well as commercial point of view. In Bangladesh, its commercial cultivation was introduced during 1980 by some pioneer and innovative farmers at Panishara union of Jhikorgacha thana under Jessore district near the Benapol border [1]. In the orient, where 'white' goes for virtue and purity, tuberose is much adored for its colour, elegance and fragrance. Tuberose occupies a very selective and special position to flower loving people. It has a great economic potential for cut flower trade and essential oil industry. Apart from ornamental value, tuberose is extensively utilized in medicines for headache, diarrhoea, rheumatism and allied pains [2]. The spikes are useful as cut flowers in vase decoration and bouquets while individual floret is used for making veni, garland, button-holes or crown [3]. In Bangladesh, for the last few years, tuberose is very popular due to easy to grow, wider adaptability and of its attractive fragrance and beautiful display in the vase. Now it has high demand in the market and its production is highly profitable [4]. To meet the ever-increasing domestic market demand and to tap the export potential of fresh flowers and the value-added products from tuberose, there is a need to increase the productivity of this crop. Improvement of keeping quality and enhancement of vase-life of cut flowers are an important area of floriculture research. Several attempts have been made to study the effect of some germicides, hormones, chemicals and sugars in different formulations and combinations on longevity and keeping quality of tuberose [5–7]. The application of sucrose, hydroxy-quinolene sulphate and citric acid has been shown to extend vase life in tuberose [8]. However, under Bangladesh condition a few reports are available regarding the fertilizers requirement as well as chemical preservatives to prolong the vase life of this economically important cut-flowers. Considering the facts, such research is very important for the greater interest of the scientist, growers and flower shopkeepers of our country. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to find out suitable preservative(s) of vase solution for extending vase life of tuberose. MATERIALS AND METHODS This experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Horticulture Department of