Effect of Different Embedding Media and Duration of Drying on Production of Quality Dry Flowers in Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hooker F)

Investigation was carried out to standardize the suitable embedding media and drying duration for dehydration of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hooker F) flowers. Fully opened flowers were embedded in four drying media (Coarse Silica Gel, Fine Silica Gel, Coarse Sand and Fine Sand) and dried in four drying durations (12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours and 30 hours) at constant drying temperature (45?C) in hot air oven. Dried samples were given subjective scores on average 10 points scale with reference to ornamental values comparable to fresh samples on the basis of colour, texture and shape. Among different drying media, the decrease in weight of gerbera flower was highest (67.15 %) by embedding in Fine Silica Gel (FSG) in hot air oven for 30 hours. Effect of drying on colour (8.35), texture (8.00) and shape (8.00) were recorded highest score in hot air oven drying when embedded in Fine Silica Gel. In regardless of all the parameters, the flowers dehydrated by embedding in Fine Silica Gel for 12 hours in hot air oven at 45??C were found to be of best quality.