Variations in the morphology, postharvest behaviour and phytochemical properties of commercial red-coloured cultivars of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in West Bengal

In West Bengal, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn., commonly known as China rose, is one of the most important essential loose flowers cultivated commercially by farmers. Among different shades of colours, red-coloured varieties are indispensable for worshipping Goddess Kali. Large quantities of loose flowers at the bud stage and garlands are transported from West Bengal to other parts of India. However, almost no literature on postharvest changes in China rose. To address this issue, the present study was undertaken with four major red types of China rose: Kali Jaba, Alipore Beauty, Versicolor, Celia and Red Dragon, suggested by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Floriculture, BCKV. Based on floral biology, these five cultivars were primarily divided into two categories. Single type (Kali Jaba, Alipore Beauty and Versicolor) and Double type (Celia and Red Dragon). Moreover, the cultivar Celia could be sub-grouped under Double II and Red Dragon under Double III as per the variations in epicalyx, modified stamens and carpels. By analyzing all the data, it could be concluded that Kali Jaba among the single-petalled red cultivars and Red Dragon among the double-petalled cultivars were superior in terms of morphology, postharvest behaviour and phytochemical properties. These findings may be helpful in better understanding the morphology, postharvest behaviour and changes in phytochemical properties of red-coloured cultivars of anthocyanin-rich Hibiscus flowers, which might serve as valuable data for further research and breeding programs.