Preservation of Dendrobium by Silver Nitrate (Agno3)
There is a relatively high demand for dendrobium orchid among consumers (Fig. 1). However, flowers cannot
last up to 7 days at room temperature. Soaking dendrobium in AgNO3 solution can prolong freshness up to 21 days.
This treatment can be used to store orchids for a long period especially when production is abundant and market demand is low.
Soaking Process
Orchid Preparation
- Harvest about 100 stalks of dendrobium cut flowers when 60-70% open.
- Harvesting is best done in the morning at about 6:00 o'clock.
- Sort among fully and incompletely opened flowers.
- Grade the flowers into the same size.
- Cut the lower end of the flower stalk (Fig. 2).
Preservative Composition
- AgNO3 0, 5 g
- Citric acid, 0.15 g
- Sucrose, 100 g
- Water, 1 liter
Soaking Method
Preservative must be promptly used after flower harvesting
- Dissolve the preservative materials in 1 liter of water in a bucket.
- Soak dendrobium into the bucket up to 10 cm for as long as 90 minutes (Fig. 3).
- After 90 minutes, the dendrobium is ready to be displayed (Fig. 4).
Benefit
The soaking treatment using silver nitrate can prolong freshness of cut flower to achieve longer display time, with an additional cost of only about Rp. 15.000 (US$1.5) per 100 stalks.
Index of Images
Figure 1 Dendrobium Orchid
Figure 2 Cutting the Flower at the Lower End of the Stalk
Figure 3 Soaking Process
Figure 4 Orchid Ready for Display after Treatment
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