Abstract:
This study investigated the effect of four different concentrations of silver nitrate
which is control (0 ppm), I 00 ppm, 250 ppm and 400 ppm on cut Gerbera flower. The
changes in set parameter such as flower diameter, total color changes, number of stem
breakage and flower wilting were assessed as quality indicators. The assessment was
performed every two days intervals. Treatment with 400 ppm was found to be the
most effective compared to other concentrations in maintaining the flower quality.
This study showed that treatment at 400 ppm was no significant compared to control
(0 ppm) in all quality assessment. Several beneficial effects were also found such as
treatment with 400 ppm silver nitrate triggered the flower to bloom with minor effect
on the total color changes and stem breakage as well as reduce the wilting on Gerbera
flower up to sixteen days. Thus, flowers qualities were maintained. In addition,
treatment with silver nitrate at 400 ppm also increases the flower longevity up to eight
days without adverse effects on visual and chemical qualities. The uses of silver
nitrate can be added by the florist to maintain the longevity of the flower quality.
