QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF FLORAL LIPIDS: THEIR ROLE IN FLORAL FRESHNESS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Flowers have universal importance due to their traditional, exotic and economic values. However, they are not exploited to the fullest and have become added problem to waste management. The current study describes the analysis of lipid content and composition in selected flowers and usage of this information for further applications. Among different flowers analyzed, Crossandra and Chrysanthemum have exhibited highest lipid content and also similar fatty acid composition. These results directly corelate to their prolonged freshness and anti-bacterial property. These properties are mainly attributed to their differential content and composition of fatty acids. Further, Chrysanthemum flower has high content of oil which can be further exploited in oil industry as most of the temple floral waste in India comprises Chrysanthemum flower. Current study also provides an insight into the fact that lipids of various flowers exhibiting longer freshness can be extracted and produced industrially to be used as artificial moisturizing agents.