of flowers resulted into petal shedding
during handling (Singh 2004). Drying below
8 per cent moisture content showed
shedding effect which might be attributed
to excessive loss in moisture, that might
have resulted into weakened adhesion and
cohesion forces in flower tissue and might
have caused softening of the middle lamella
leading to abscission. Paparozzi and
McCallister (1988) observed rapid tissue
desiccation in microwave dried statice
flowers. Similarly Wilkins and Desborough
(1986) observed vulnerability of flowers to
breakage in vacuum dried flowers.
Techniques of flower drying
The quality and appearance of dried
flowers and other ornamental plant parts is
greatly influenced by the method of drying
or the drying technique being followed.
Various techniques involved for the
production of dried ornamental plant
material includes air drying, press drying,
embedded drying, oven drying and freeze
drying etc. The NBRI, Lucknow is a
pioneer institute in India which works on
the dehydration of flowers, foliage and floral
crafts. Various dehydration techniques have
been developed by which flowers, twigs,
branches, foliage etc retain their fresh look
for several months or years (Mishra et al
2003).
Air drying
The air drying is a very common
method of drying where plant materials are