Identification of suitable dyes for dyeing dried Chincherinchee (Ornithogalum thyrsoides Jacq.) cut stems for value-addition

Abstract

The study was conducted with the objective of identifying mostly suitable dyes to dye dried plant material for enhancing the quality and to create product diversification through value-addition. Twenty dyes belonging to four categories i.e. Textile (Green, Pink, Violet, Yellow), Food (Apple Green, Lemon Yellow, Raspberry Red, Orange Red, Bright Green food powder), Indicator (Brilliant Green, Crystal Violet, Eosin Yellow, Metanil Yellow, Methyl Orange, Methylene Blue) and Organic (coffee powder, turmeric powder, dried flowers of palash, rind of pomegranate, Lilium pollens) were evaluated for dyeing. The concentration of dyes was varied along with addition of mordants (common salt and alum). The experiment was divided into four sub experiments and the data on various quality parameters under each category of dye was recorded. The results revealed that turmeric powder scored maximum (23.37/25) amongst organic dyes; Yellow textile dye scored
maximum (22.20/25) amongst textile dyes; in case of food dyes Lemon Yellow food powder scored maximum (17.54/25) and in case of indicator dyes Brilliant Green dye scored maximum (14.60/25). Although, immediately after dyeing turmeric powder as organic dye scored maximum but after subsequent storage of dyed flowers up to 120 days, it can be concluded that Yellow textile dye was overall the best as the flowers remained relatively presentable.