Perendaman Bunga Potong Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) dalam Campuran Larutan Air Kelapa dan Ekstrak Belimbing Wuluh untuk Memperpanjang Vase Life

Abstract

Soaking Gerbera Cut Flowers (Gerbera jamesonii) in a Mix of Coconut Water Solution and Wuluh Starfruit Extract to Extend Vase Life

Gerbera is a flowering ornamental plant that is used as cut flowers and has high economic and aesthetic value. Gerbera flowers are often damaged such as wilting, easily broken stems, broken buds and flower discoloration. The very short shelf life of cut gerbera flowers requires proper postharvest handling to maintain freshness. This research aims to determine the effect of coconut water (Cocos nucifera) and wuluh starfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi) extract and its interaction in increasing vase life and to determine the best soaking solution dose for gerbera cut flowers. The research used a Completely Randomized Design consisting of two factors, that is coconut water with doses of K₁: 40 ml, K₂: 60 ml, and K₃: 80 ml, and wuluh starfruit extract with doses of B₁: 10 ml, B₂: 20 ml, and B₃: 30 ml, there were 9 treatment combinations and each treatment was repeated three times. The results showed that the interaction between coconut water and wuluh starfruit extract had a significant effect on the solution acidity and vase life variables. Treatment of 80 ml coconut water + 10 ml star fruit extract (K₃B₁) was able to maintain the appearance of gerbera cut flowers in a vase up to 13,83 days.