Article Title: Impact of Pre-Harvest Biochar Soil Amendments on Stem Hydration, Membrane Integrity and Post-Harvest Longevity of Cut Carnations

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is one of the most dominant traded cut flowers, prized for its aesthetically appealing flowers, varieties of color, and relatively greater vase life, it is grown around the year in temperate regions or protected conditions like poly houses/glass houses in sub-tropical regions.

General vase life of commercially important cut carnation varieties ranges between 8 to 14 days. ‘Liberty’ and ‘Bizet’ recorded 12.63 and 8.18 days of vase life, respectively, under mid-hill conditions (mid-hill area, Thunag valley, HP) (Sharma et al. 2025). A couple of days of additional shelf life can lead to higher market price, lower wastage, and greater buyer satisfaction for the grower.