Dry flower- boon to Indian floriculture industry

DRY FLOWER – A BOON TO FLORICULTURE INDUSTRY

Orissa University of Agriculture and technology, Bhubaneswar

Seminar

Presented by:Subrahmanya Krishna Bhat

01FLS/13

Topic Division

HistoryBrought to India by the Britishers & prospered in Calcutta

Dry flower industry is five decade old

Japanese used pressed plants & colorful papers to create Oshibana Art (Japanese Pressed Flower) .

The Egyptians used dried flowers to make fragrances and placed dried flowers in tombs.

Importance of Dry Flowers

Natural

Eco friendly

Long lasting

Year round availability

Easy to Handle

Economical

Fig: Export value in Crores of Indian dried ornamentals and total floriculture products.

Source: Deshraj et al, 2011

India is the fifth largest exported of dried flowers

India is one of the major exporters of dried flowers to the tune

of 5% world trade in dry flowers.

This industry shows a growth rate of 15% annually.

Potpourris are a major segment of dry flower industry valued

at Rs. 55 crore in India alone.

In 2012- 13 Export of dry flowers and total floricultural

products recorded Rs. 363.5 crore and 423.4 crore respectively

(Source: UNCOMTRADE, APEDA)

Production Area

In India, dried flower units are concentrated in Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu) and Kolkata.(Misra et al., 2003).

Dried flower exporters in Tuticorin (TN) :Natural Export Corporation Ltd (NPEC)

Ramesh Flowers Pvt. Ltd. Floral Export Pvt. Ltd.

Kolkata based companies:Siraj Dry flowers

Kolkata online floristGlobal dried flowers pvt. Ltd.

HelipterumHelichrysum

Top ten dry flowers

DelphiniumGypsophila

NigellaLimonium

Carthamus

Papaver

Rose

Gomphrena

Factors affecting dehydration

Atmospheric humidity

Air flow

Temperature

Embedding material

Method of drying

Moisture content of the flower

Shape, colour and quality of flower

Sun Drying

Table 1: Effect of drying on per cent weight loss in flowers of China Aster Meman et al., 2006, Gujarat

TreatmentPer cent weight loss

1st day 2nd day 3rd day 4th day 5th dayCondition (C)C1 36 43.42 62.50 65.13 67.50C2 47.19 49.22 64.94 66.43 67.91C.D.@ 5% 0.31 0.33 0.52 0.31 NSMedia(M)M1 42.66 50.93 65.27 66.01 66.66M2 41.80 43.99 62.97 65.29 65.66M3 32.18 35.99 60.27 64.98 71.08M4 51.15 54.39 66.37 66.84 67.42C.D.@ 5% 0.44 0.46 0.73 0.43 0.57

C1- Room dryingC2- Sun drying

M1 - Sand M3- BoraxM2 – Sand: Borax(1:1) M4 – Silica gel

Table 2: Effect of drying on per cent moisture loss in flowers of China Aster Meman et al., 2006, Gujarat

TreatmentPer cent moisture loss

1st day 2nd day 3rd day 4th day 5th dayCondition (C)

C1 17.96 24.14 49.63 55.17 61.41C2 27.38 29.30 54.14 57.21 60.97

C.D.at 5% 0.39 0.45 0.81 0.83 NSMedia(M)

M1 23.82 31.59 57.00 58.91 60.62M2 23.06 24.88 51.74 56.94 57.87M3 12.38 14.67 39.58 48.44 64.24M4 31.41 35.75 59.23 60.46 62.03

C.D.at 5% 0.55 0.64 1.14 1.18 1.43

C1- Room dryingC2- Sun drying

M1 - Sand M3- BoraxM2 – Sand: Borax(1:1) M4 – Silica gel

Air drying

Plant materials are hanged with rope/wire in an inverted positionWarm, clean, dark and well ventilated area with low humidity .

E.g. : Helichrysum, Acrolinum, Limonium

Flower selected should be of slightly immature stage.

Materials needed Sorting the

flowersTie bunches

together

Hanging the flowers

Arranging the dry flowers

Variety% Disc floret shedding

Control Sand

White 72 20

Yellow 30 0

Pink 62 10

Orange 65 12

Red 70 15

Table 3: Effect of sand embedded shade drying on per cent disc floret shedding of fully open Helichrysum flowers

Sangama, 2004, Bengaluru

Table 4: Effect of different media and duration of shade drying on dry flower weight (g) in carnation cv. Master.

Nirmala et al., 2009, Hyderabad.

MediaDuration(days)

Mean4(D1) 8(D2) 16(D3)

Quartz sand (M1) 3.36 2.70 2.58 2.88a

Silica gel (M2) 2.60 2.39 2.18 2.39b

Borax (M3) 2.58 2.30 2.27 2.38b

Mean 2.84a 2.46b 2.34c

C.D. @ 5%

Media(M) 0.11

Duration(D) 0.11

M x D 0.19

Table 5: Effect of different media and duration of shade drying on texture of petal of dry carnation cv. Master.

Nirmala et al., 2009, Hyderabad.

MediaDuration(days)

Mean4(D1) 8(D2) 16(D3)

Quartz sand (M1) 3.60 2.26 0.66 2.17a

Silica gel (M2) 1.73 0.73 0.33 0.93c

Borax (M3) 3.40 1.60 0.60 1.86b

Mean 2.91a 1.53b 053c

C.D. @ 5 %

Media(M) 0.15

Duration(D) 0.15

MxD 0.27

Press drying was first reported in 1820

Flowers and foliage are placed between the folds of newspaper

sheets or blotting papers giving some space among flowers

Used by Botanist- Herbarium

Natural color can be maintained but original shape cannot be

maintained

E.g.: Thuja , Hibiscus, Marigold, Lantana camera, Euphorbia,

Ixora , Mussaendra.

Press drying

Sandwich between several heavy

books

Place in between newspaper sheet

Table 6:Effect of Press- drying and Hang – Drying methods on flower quality Alka and Dhaduk., 2005, Gujarat

Flower Type Flower colour Method

Effect of drying

Color Texture

Gomphrena Herb Purple Hang - drying

Dark- purple

Slight shrink

Ixora Shrub Red Press- drying Dark - red Smooth

Meyenia erecta Shrub Mauve Press-

drying Mauve Smooth

Mussaenda Shrub Yellow Press- drying Yellow Smooth

To over come the problem of petal shrinkage

Flowers can be dried by burying them in a plant-drying mixture or desiccants

By using desiccant the original shape can be maintained

Useful method for delicate flowers that may fall apart when air dried

Treatment DetailsT1M1 Oven drying at 50o C with Sand

T1M2 Oven drying at 50o C with Sand : Borax

T1M3 Oven drying at 50o C with Borax

T1M4 Oven drying at 50o C with Silica gel

T2M1 Oven drying at 55o C with Sand

T2M2 Oven drying at 55o C with Sand : Borax

T2M3 Oven drying at 55o C with Borax

T2M4 Oven drying at 55o C with Silica Gel

T3M1 Oven drying at 60o C with Sand

T3M2 Oven drying at 60o C with Sand : Borax

T3M3 Oven drying at 60o C with Borax

T3M4 Oven drying at 60o C with Silica Gel

Table : Effect of temperature and embedding media on Calendula flower Meman et al.,2008,Gujarat. 

Table 7: Effect of temperature and embedding media on flower color in Calendula flower

Meman et al., 2008, Gujarat.

Treatment 4th h 8th h 12th h 16th hT1M1 A A A BT1M2 A A B CT1M3 A B B CT1M4 A A B BT2M1 A A A BT2M2 A A B CT2M3 A B B CT2M4 A A B BT3M1 A A B BT3M2 A B B CT3M3 A B C CT3M4 A A B C

Table 8: Effect of temperature and embedding media on petal texture in Calendula flower

Meman et al., 2008, Gujarat .

Treatment 4th h 8th h 12th h 16th hT1M1 + ++ ++ +++T1M2 + ++ ++ +++T1M3 + + + ++T1M4 + + ++ +++T2M1 + + ++ +++T2M2 + + ++ +++T2M3 + + + ++T2M4 + ++ +++ +++T3M1 + ++ ++ +++T3M2 + + ++ +++T3M3 + + + ++T3M4 + ++ +++ +++

+ Smooth , ++ Slightly smooth , +++ Highly rough

Table 9: Moisture loss of flowers under different drying methods Irene and Nanthakumar., 2002, Kodaikanal.

Name of the flower

Moisture loss in %

Shade drying Sun drying Oven drying

Achillea 30.2 33.5 35.4

Helichrysum 27.6 29.4 31.5Buddleji 30.3 34.5 35.6Salvia 41.5 43.7 47.7Lupinus 37.7 40.2 43.2Marigold 33.8 37.6 39.6Golden Rod 45.2 45.3 46.2Artemisia 40.3 42.5 43.4

Hydrangea 51.3 52.4 56.5

Daisy 28.9 31.4 35.4C.D.@ 5% 1.29

Table 10: Effect of different drying methods on general appearance and acceptability of certain dry flowers

Irene and Nanthakumar., 2002, Kodaikanal

Name of the flower

Drying methods

Shade drying Sun drying Oven drying

Achillea 2 2 2Helichrysum 5 5 5Buddleji 3 3 2Salvia 5 5 4Lupinus 5 5 4Mary gold 4 4 3Golden Rod 5 5 4Artemisia 2 2 2Hydrangea 4 4 3Daisy 3 3 2Mean 3.8 3.8 3.1C.D.at 5% 0.22

5- Excellent, 4- Good, 3- Fair 2- Poor, 1- Unacceptable

Table 12 : Effect of hot air oven drying on moisture loss (%) and time taken to dry gerbera flowers.

Vijayalaxmi, 2005, Arabhavi. 

Treatment Moisture loss (%) Time taken to dry (hours)

300C+ non embedding 79.52 86.80

300C+ embedding 78.94 79.00

400C+ non embedding 81.85 75.40

400C+ embedding 80.03 77.00

500C+ non embedding 82.50 21.30

500C+ embedding 82.15 29.00

C.D at 1% 1.70 1.42

Microwave Drying

Principle – liberating moisture by agitating water molecules in the organic substance with the help of electronically produced microwaves.

Quickest method and gives fresher and colorfull dried flower.

The time limit should be followed strictly.

Table 15: Effect of different level of micro- power in microwave oven with different duration of drying on dry flower quality of chrysanthemum flowers, cv.

Button type Local. Aravinda and Jayanthi ,2004,Bangalore.

M1= 20% micro power

M2= 40% micro power

M3= 60% micro power

M4= 80% micro power

D1=90 second Duration

D2=120 second Duration

D3=150 second Duration

Cont…..Method of drying Color Texture Shape Over all acceptability

M1D1 3.16 2.71 3.03 3.01

M1D2 3.25 2.81 3.01 3.11

M1D3 3.36 3.01 3.23 3.43

M2D1 3.33 3.08 3.00 3.58

M2D2 3.51 3.06 3.28 3.35

M2D3 3.35 3.46 3.43 3.56

M3D1 3.65 3.48 3.50 3.35

M3D2 3.50 3.60 3.75 3.50

M3D3 3.61 3.51 3.51 3.63

M4D1 3.38 3.93 3.58 3.40

M4D2 4.08 4.03 3.91 4.11

M4D3 3.96 3.66 3.58 3.96

M5D1 3.38 3.28 3.06 3.08

M5D2 3.05 3.51 3.11 2.95

M5D3 3.03 3.31 2.96 2.95

CD@5% 0.46 0.20 0.23 0.17

Table 16: Effect of different duration of microwave drying on flower weight change (g) in carnation var. Cano and Kristina

Biswas and Dhua, 2010,West Bengal

Treatment

Weight of flower(g)

Cano Kristina

Fresh Dried %Decrease Fresh Dried %Decrease

2 minutes(T1) 6.68 2.31 65.42 6.31 2.08 67.04

3 minutes(T2) 6.87 2.05 70.16 6.61 1.88 72.01

4 minutes(T3) 7.13 1.57 77.98 6.33 1.35 78.67

C.D(P=0.05) 0.133 0.058 2.071 0.169 0.077 2.842

Table 17: Effect of different durations of microwave drying on change in moisture content (%) in carnation var. Cano and Kristina.

Biswas and Dhua, 2010,West Bengal.

Treatment

Moisture content (%)

Cano Kristina

Fresh Dried %Decrease Fresh Dried %Decrease

2 minutes(T1) 91.12 20.42 77.59 90.96 19.06 79.05

3 minutes(T2) 91.09 16.98 81.41 90.88 16.13 82.25

4 minutes(T3) 91.21 13.08 85.66 90.96 12.64 86.10

C.D(P=0.05) NS 2.514 3.519 NS 2.366 3.731

Freeze Drying

1813 by William Hyde Wallaston to the Royal Society in

London.

Principle - removal of water vapour from flowers while in a

frozen state. This enables the flowers to retain their shape, size

and color.

In this process the flowers are placed into a refrigerated

chamber and the temperature is lowered to below freezing

point.

Major flowers dried by this method are roses, carnation, etc

Table 19: Moisture content (%) of rose and carnation after freeze drying under various freezing time (FT) and drying temperature (DT)

Chen. et al., (2008)USA.

Treatment Color / species moisture content(%)

FT (h) DT(oC) Red roses Pink roses Red carnation

Pink carnation

2 27 50.84 61.87 19.35 46.13

2 37 32.09 46.37 9.06 44.48

2 47 21.88 27.58 4.87 31.78

4 27 45.52 63.51 14.17 47.71

4 37 31.54 44.89 7.53 43.36

4 47 24.56 23.48 4.53 20.81

Control 4.68 5.57 3.74 5.09

Glycerin method of preservationIt draw the moisture out of plant tissue.

Is a osmotic reagent.

The plant material will be flexible when dried.

But intern it changes the flower color.

The plant material is dipped in mixture of glycerin and water for 3-6 days for soft stem and 6 weeks for woody stem.

Flowers recommended: Aspisdistra, Hornbeam, Beech, Ivy, Holly, Eucalyptus,

Cotoneaster, Oaks, Oleander, Osmanthus, Pittosporum, Maple, and Magnolia.

Table 20: Effect of duration of pre- treatment with glycerol on moisture loss and time taken for drying Gerbera

Vijayalaxmi, 2005, Arabhavi

Treatment Moisture loss(%)

Time taken for drying (hours)

1:3 glycerol: water for 3 hours 79.11 5.001:3 glycerol: water for 6 hours 78.00 5.851:3 glycerol: water for 9 hours 79.00 6.001:3 glycerol: water for 12 hours 78.68 6.201:3 glycerol: water for 15 hours 79.17 6.85Control (with out any pre treatment) 81.70 7.40

C.D at 1% 1.3 0.84

Datta, 2004. NBRI

A. Capital INR

Hot air oven 10,000

Paper trimmer 500

Table glass 300

Scissors, forceps, blades etc. 300

Sand and silica gel 1000

Plant press 200

Blotting sheets 100

Total 12,600

B. Production cost INR

(a) For 1600 Greeting cards:

Plain card sheet(100) (9x 25 cm) 1000

Coloured velvet paper(40) (7×7 cm) 200

Adhesive tubes (32) 350

Dry flower and leaves 700

Envelopes (1600) 400

Skilled labour (Re. 1/-per card) 1,600

Total 4,250

Cost / card 2.66

Sale price/card 5.00

Profit/card 2.34

Profit/1600 cards 3,744

b). For 100 floral arrangements in sealed glass container INR

Transparent glass container (100) 2,000

Glass discs (100) 400

Thermocol sheets (3) 45

Dry flowers 400

Synthetic resin adhesive (500 g) 100

Velvet paper (4 sheets) 20

Enamel paint (250 g) 50

Skilled labour 500

Total 3,525

Cost of one floral arrangement (Rs./-) 35.15

Sale price/container 60.00

Profit/piece 24.85

Profit/100 pieces 2,485

Bleaching

Dyeing

Packing

Table 22 : Damage to the package in drop test. Anitha, 2010, Tamil nadu

Treatment Packaging material Damage to the package due to dropping

Remarks

T1 3 ply- 130 gsm- RSC (Control) 4.82 Severe

T2 3 ply-180 gsm- RSC 4.52 Severe

T3 5 ply- 180 gsm- RSC 3.80 Moderate

T4 7 ply-180 gsm- RSC 3.60 Moderate

T5 3 ply- 180 gsm- FTHS 4.26 Severe

T6 5 ply- 180 gsm FTHS 3.22 Moderate

T7 7 ply- 180 gsm FTHS 3.06 Moderate

SEd 0.0215

CD (0.05) 0.0440

RSC- regular slotted container FTHS- Full Telescope Half Slotted Carton

Table 23 : Damage to the product in drop test. Anitha, 2010, Tamilnadu

Treatment Packaging material Damage to the product (%) due to dropping

Remarks

T1 3 ply- 130 gsm- RSC (Control) 5.9 High

T2 3 ply-180 gsm- RSC 2.8 Moderate T3 5 ply- 180 gsm- RSC 0 No T4 7 ply-180 gsm- RSC 0 No T5 3 ply- 180 gsm- FTHS 2.4 Moderate T6 5 ply- 180 gsm FTHS 0 No T7 7 ply- 180 gsm FTHS 0 No

SEd 0.0115CD (0.05) 0.0236

RSC- regular slotted container FTHS- Full Telescope Half Slotted Carton

Indian strength

Natures boon

Cheap labour

Art

Technical accessibility

Credit facilities and subsidies

Market potential

Domestic demand

Weakness

DRY FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

Basket

Potpourri

Garland

Cards and Candles

Box Bouquet

Swag

Wreath

Sachet

What dry flower industry needs

• Education and training for people to understand the concept

and product range

• Market survey and information both at domestic and

international market

• Dyeing and Packing technique to be standardized for dry

flower to meet international requirements

• Publicity through multimedia high lighting value addition