Vol. 10, Special Issue 1, Part B (2026)

Post-harvest quality is a crucial factor determining the market value and consumer preference of cut flowers. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) offers a sustainable approach to improve flower quality by enhancing nutrient availability and physiological efficiency. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of integrated nutrient management on post-harvest traits of Italian aster (Aster amellus L.) cv. ‘Purple Multipetal’. The experiment was carried out at the Floricultural Research Station, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during September 2017 to January 2018, following a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. Treatments consisted of combinations of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures (vermicompost and farmyard manure), and bio-fertilizers (Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria). Post-harvest parameters such as fresh weight of spike, transpirational loss of water, fresh weight change during vase life, and vase life were recorded.

The results revealed that integrated nutrient management significantly influenced all post-harvest traits. The highest fresh weight of spike (90.71 g), maximum fresh weight retention (100.68%), and longest vase life (8.03 days) were recorded in treatment T₇ (50% RDF + 50% RDF through vermicompost + Azospirillum + PSB). In contrast, the lowest values were observed under sole application of inorganic fertilizers (100% RDF). The enhanced post-harvest performance under INM may be attributed to improved nutrient uptake, better water relations, delayed senescence, and enhanced cellular integrity due to the synergistic effects of organic manures and bio-fertilizers. The study concludes that INM is an effective strategy for improving post-harvest quality and vase life of Italian aster.