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The Effects of Silver and Copper Nano Particle-Infused Vase Solutions on the Vase Life of Cut Narcissus (Narcissus L.) Flowers
Abstract
Narcissus has become increasingly preferred as a cut flower due to its pleasant fragrance and ability to bloom during winter. The most important parameters determining the quality of cut flowers are vase life and flower quality. In this study, the effects of six different vase solutions containing nano copper, nano silver, and sodium hypochlorite on the vase life, relative fresh weight, and daily solution uptake of cut narcissus flowers were investigated. The longest vase life in cut narcissus flowers was achieved with the 20 ppm nano copper and 30 ppm nano copper applications, lasting 7.33 days, followed by the 30 ppm nano silver application with a vase life of 6.25 days. The control group recorded the shortest vase life at 4.25 days, and it was observed that vase solutions containing nanoparticles approximately doubled the vase life. Nanoparticle applications positively affected vase life and flower quality, with the addition of nano copper to the vase water showing a higher effect than nano silver, and extending vase life more than all other applications. The results indicated that, like nano silver, nano copper extends vase life by reducing antimicrobial activity and providing a nourishing effect in the vase water.
... In this sense, it had demonstrated that copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) which are hypothesized to exhibit similar effects to sodium hypochlorite and nano silver due to stimulatory, unique effects associated with the induction of anti-microbial agents and antioxidant activities (Adhikari et al. 2016). In addition, Cu is a microelement necessary for growth and development and may also have a nourishing effect on vase water (Crisan et al. 2022; Dalda Şekerci et al. 2024). Cu-NPs facilitate easier cell wall interaction and crossing with the intracellular and principles to promote the development of ROS (reactive oxygen species), thus activating the cell defense mechanism (Al-Hakkani 2020). ...
Nanoparticles offer innovative solutions for postharvest applications, allowing for the development of innovative compounds that effectively extend the shelf life of cut flowers by reducing ethylene production and preventing bacterial growth. Tulips as a leading choice among cut flowers, encounter common issues such as neck bending and a limited display life, which can severely impact their marketability. This experiment aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nano chitosan (CHS-NPs) at 3.5 and 7.0 mg L − 1 , nano copper (Cu-NPs) at 15 and 30 mg L − 1 , and lemongrass essential oil (LG) at 150 and 300 mg L − 1 as innovative, eco-friendly solutions for improving the quality and extending the shelf life of cut tulip flowers. The findings reveal that CHS-NPs and Cu-NPs significantly prolong the vase life of cut tulip flowers, with optimal concentrations determined to be 7.5 mg L − 1 and 30 mg L − 1 , respectively. These treatments not only enhance water uptake and relative fresh weight (RFW%) but also effectively inhibit microbial growth at the stem base and prevent bacterial blockages in the xylem for up to seven days. Moreover, they substantially increase chlorophyll levels, total soluble carbohydrates, and proteins while decreasing hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby enhancing membrane stability. In conclusion, CHS-NPs at 7.5 mg L − 1 and Cu-NPs at 30 mg L − 1 significantly enhance the vase life of cut tulips by improving water balance and antioxidant activity, with Cu-NPs demonstrating better effectiveness. The adoption of Cu-NPs at the recommended concentration should be prioritized in the tulip floral industry.
The study was conducted to determine the effects of different herbal oils and citric acid on vase life of cut narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) flower. Cut narcissus flowers were placed in 100 ppm dose vase solutions containing lavender, nettle and melissa essential oil and rosin oil and citric acid. At the end of the study, the longest vase life (9, 8.5 and 8 days) was obtained from citric acid, rosin oil and melissa essential oil respectively, and other oil applications increased vase life compared to the control as well as. The highest relative fresh weight (116.1, 109.8 and 107.7%) during vase life was obtained from citric acid, melissa and nettle essential oil with respectively. All applications (except nettle essential oil) were effective in the increasing of the water uptake. As a result, it was determined that lavender, nettle and melissa essential oil and rosin oil were effective in increasing vase life of cut narcissus flower. In addition, in the study, it is necessary to determine the effects of nettle essential oil and rosin oil, which have positive effects on vase life, by applying them to vase solution of different cut flowers.
Ornamental products such as cut flowers have a limited display life so the effect of some effective chemical holding treatments on the vase life of rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cv. Black magic cut flowers was studied. In order to find the best treatment in extending cut rose flowers vase life, cut roses were kept in preservative solution including 2.5% sucrose supplemented with 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, copper sulfate, silver nitrate, aluminum sulfate, ethanol and water (control). All treatment flowers were stored in the climate controlled room at 20±2 ◦ C with 90% RH and 12h photo period using fluorescent lamps (light intensity of 15μmol m -2 s -1 ) at the top of corolla .The result showed that ethanol and aluminum sulfate treatments had the most important role in the extending longevity as well as water uptake in these treatments. Also, there was no significant difference between treatments for leaf and petal dry weight, but the partially high level of water content in aluminum sulfate and ethanol treatments can be effective in increasing vase life. The amount of anthocyanin leakage was high in control. Controls vase life ended at day 9, while the vase life of flowers was kept in aluminum sulfate and ethanol were 18 day.
Lisianthus is among the most popular cut flowers. Regarding the postharvest losses, these experiments were designed to compare the effects of a nanosilver (NS) based preservative to the standard preservative containing 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-HQC) and sucrose (S). Additionally, the effect of 24 h conditioning in the NS solution on the postharvest longevity and the general condition of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum ‘Mariachi Blue’) was tested. The vase life of flowers on conditioned and non-conditioned stems was extended by the preservatives, more so by NS + S than by 8-HQC + S (44–54% versus 13–23%). Conditioning had no detectable effect on longevity. Daily water uptake showed alternative peaks and drops, with a general tendency of the uptake rate to decrease over time. The highest uptake intensity and the highest transpiration rate were in stems in the NS + S solution while the lowest was in 8-HQC + S. Conditioning negatively affected the average fresh weight of the flowering stems in all holding solutions with stems in preservatives being heavier than those in water. Preservatives did not induce accumulation of the total soluble or reducing sugars in petals; such accumulation was promoted by conditioning, but only in the upper flowers. The free proline content increased in senescing lower flowers on non-conditioned stems; conditioning limited this increase in flowers in preservatives. In the upper flowers, free proline increased in both water controls while the preservatives and conditioning generally reduced the proline contents below the initial level. Conditioning lowered the hydrogen peroxide contents in senescing lower flowers, relative to the initial level and the non-conditioned stems. The catalase activity kept dropping during the vase life in both the lower and upper flowers, in conditioned and non-conditioned stems, with the exception of flowers from water where the activity remained the highest from all three treatments. It appears that the NS preservative with sucrose improves the overall condition of lisianthus flowers and extends their vase life.
The popularity of cut hydrangea has been increasing in the global floriculture market in recent years. However, vase life of cut hydrangeas is shortened due to sepal browning and wilting. This study was conducted to find out a vase life solution in extending the vase life of cut hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla cv. Schneeball) flowers. Cut hydrangea stems were placed in solutions containing 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (100, 200 and 300 mgL⁻¹), glycolic acid (9.5, 19 and 28 mgL⁻¹) and distilled water which was used as the control. The vase life, relative fresh weight and solution uptake were measured. Compared to the control, the vase life of cut hydrangeas were significantly increased by all 8-HQS treatments. The best concentration of 8-HQS was 200 mgL⁻¹ and increased the vase life of cut hydrangeas by 11.67 days compared to control (from 4.22. to 15.89 days). It also improved solution uptake and delayed relative fresh weight loss. The results showed that 8-HQS is effective in extending the vase life of cut hydrangeas.
Keeping quality and length of vase life are important factors for evaluation of cut flowers quality, for both domestic and export markets. Studding the effect of pre- and post-harvest salicylic acid applications on keeping quality and vase life of cut alstroemeria flowers during vase period is the approach taken. Aqueous solutions of salicylic acid at 0.0 (with distilled water), 1, 2 and 3 mM were sprayed to run-off (approximately 500 mL per plant), about two weeks before flowers harvest. The cut flowers were harvested in the early morning and both of cut flowers treated (sprayed) and untreated were kept in vase solutions containing salicylic acid at 0.0 (with distilled water), 1, 2 and 3 mM. Sucrose at 4% was added to all treatments as a base solution. The changes in relative fresh weight, water uptake, water loss, water balance, total chlorophyll content and vase life were estimated during vase period. The results showed that the relative fresh weight, water uptake, water balance, total chlorophyll content and vase life decreased significantly while the water loss increased significantly during experiment for all treatments. A significant difference between salicylic acid and control treatments in all measured parameters is observed. During vase period, the salicylic acid treatments maintained significantly a more favourable relative fresh weight, water uptake, water balance, total chlorophyll content and supressed significantly water loss, as compared to control treatment. Also, the results showed that the using salicylic acid increased significantly the vase life cut alstroemeria flowers, over control. The highest values of measured parameters were found when plants were treated by pre + post-harvest application of salicylic acid at 3 mM. The result revealed that the quality attributes and vase life of cut alstroemeria flowers were improved by the use of salicylic acid treatment.
Postharvest quality of Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn. was investigated after growing plants at different photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), lighting periods, supplements of lime to the peat medium and different levels of boron fertilization. The plants were harvested at three open flowers and were placed in glass bottles with 500 ml vase solution of the desired preservatives under the following conditions: 21°C, 45% relative humidity (RH) and 12-h photoperiod with a PPFD of 15 µmol m sprovided by white fluorescent tubes. Wilted flowers, leaves and buds were recorded every day and postharvest life was evaluated. In general, an increase in preharvest PPFD level increased the vase life. In our first experiment, the plants grown with a 20-h lighting period under a low PPFD (60 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) with high RH (90%) in the canopy showed the shorter vase life than those grown under a high light level (240 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and low RH (70%). In the second experiment, a few hours of high RH at the canopy level during night with a 16-h lighting period and a PPFD of 240 µmol m sresulted in a shorter vase life than 24-h and constant low RH. When temperature and RH were better controlled in a third experiment under a PPFD of 105 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, the vase life was slightly longer in stems from 16-h than from 24-h lighting period. Compared to their long vase life (26 to 28 days), the differences (2-4 days), however, must be regarded as small, and we therefore suggest that there is no adverse effect of 24-h lighting on vase life. Vase life was only affected when the commercial preservative Chrysal Clear (CC) or sucrose with 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (HQS) was used in the vase solution, and not when either sucrose or HQS was compared with the water control (reverse osmosis water). These results suggest that high PPFD, long lighting period, low RH during the growing period and use of sugar combined with HQS in the vase solution, are all important factors for prolonging the vase life of Eustoma.
Cut lisianthus flowers have a short vase life, possibly due to blockage of xylem vessels. The effect of 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, sucrose and peroxidase inhibitors on delaying senescence and extending vase life of cut lisianthus flowers was tested. The peroxidase inhibitors used in this experiment were catechol (CH) (5, 10, 15 mM) and p-phenylenediamine (PD) (5, 10, 15 mM). All vase solutions contained 200 mg·dm-3 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-HQC) and 3% sucrose. 10 mM CH treatment was the most effective for vase life extension (13.3 days), increasing water uptake, and delaying fresh weight loss. The vase solution containing 10 mM CH significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased peroxidase (POD) activities. Similarly, 10 mM PD increased anthocyanin content more than the other treat-ments. Protein degradation was significantly delayed by application of 5 mM PD. The malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation was reduced when CH at 5 mM and PD in 5 and 15 mM were added to the vase solution. Results indicated that peroxidase inhibitors in combination with 8-HQC and sucrose increase vase life of lisianthus by improving water uptake and delaying fresh weight loss.
Natural variation in the postharvest quality and longevity of ornamental plants can often be related to differences in their response to ethylene. In the present study, we determined the postharvest performance and ethylene sensitivity of cut flowers from 38 cultivated Hybrid Tea rose genotypes. The vase life of the cultivars varied considerably from 4.5 to 18.8 days at 21 8C. There was also substantial variation in the degree of flower opening among genotypes. Exposure to 1 μL L-1 ethylene for 24 h at 21 °C reduced the longevity of 27 cultivars by 0.8 to 8.4 days (18% to 47%) by accelerating petal wilting and abscission. Ethylene treatment also significantly reduced rates of flower opening in 17 sensitive cultivars and in six cultivars that showed no ethylene-related reduction in vase life. Five cultivars showed no reduction in vase life or flower opening in response to ethylene exposure. Pre-treating stems with 0.2 mM silver thiosulfate liquid or 0.9 μL L-1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) gas for 16 h at 2 °C reduced the deleterious effects of ethylene. The release of 1-MCP from two sachets containing EthylBloc™ into individual shipping boxes also protected flowers against ethylene applied immediately after a 6-d commercial shipment. The duration of protection afforded by the 1-MCP sachet treatment was greatest when flowers were maintained at low temperature.
In studying the postharvest water relations of cut flowers, researchers aim to determine rates of water uptake and water loss along with changes in fresh weight. An automatic apparatus was devised for continuous monitoring of these indices. The novel apparatus consists of two balances automatically recording mass at a relatively high data acquisition rate (min-1), a personal computer, two containers, and plastic tubing. The apparatus is accurate, labor-saving, and real-time. It enabled dynamic synchronous recording of water uptake as well as fresh weight of the cut flower stem, from which precise water uptake loss rates during vase life can be accurately determined. Rates of water uptake and water loss of individual cut rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Movie Star) stems were measured using the apparatus under alternating 12-h light and dark periods. Both water uptake and water loss rates fluctuated with the light to dark shift over 120 h of observation. Stem fresh weight increased rapidly over the first 40 h of vase period and decreased gradually thereafter. Cut lily (Lilium hybrida cv. Yellow Overlord) stems showed similar trends in water uptake and water loss rate to cut rose stems. The accuracy and sensitivity of the new apparatus was validated by comparison with manual weighing using a balance at 2-h intervals under alternating 12-h light and dark periods over 108 h. The apparatus described here constitutes a suitable method for direct measurement of water uptake and fresh weight, including capturing relatively rapid water balance responses to changes in the postharvest environment.
The effect of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) on the vase life of cut lisianthus flowers was investigated. ‘Miarichi Grand White’ flowers were obtained from a commercial grower and were pulse-treated with a 0, 50, 100, 150 or 200 mg·L−1 SA solution containing 200 mg·L−1 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (HQS) and 5% (w/v) sucrose for 18 hours. As compared to distilled water (DW) as the control, the greatest delay in petals senescence was obtained in cut flowers pulsed with 100 mg·L−1 SA. Vase life of flowers increased by 4.5 days in the above mentioned treatment. The characteristics such as water uptake (WUP), relative fresh weight (RFW), protein concentration, proline accumulation, and activities of lipoxygenase (LOX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in the 0 and 100 mg·L−1 SA treatments over the period of vase life. The WUP and RFW were obviously greater in the SA-treated flowers than in the control. Degradation of protein and accumulation of proline during vase life was shown to be suppressed by 100 mg·L−1 SA. The activity of LOX was gradually increased with progressing flower senescence, while the activity of SOD was declined. The flowers which had been pulsed with 100 mg·L−1 SA exhibited lower LOX and a higher SOD activities. Overall, the results suggest that SA can increase the vase life of lisianthus cut flowers by improving the antioxidant system and reducing damages caused by oxidative stress during senescence.
The effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) and benzyladenine (BA) on the postharvest quality and vase life of gerbera cut-flowers was investigated. Freshly cut flower stems of gerbera cultivar ‘Good Timing’, with four outer disc florets open, were put in vases containing 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, or 300 mg·L−1 GA3 and 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, or 150 mg·L−1 of BA for 48 hr and then held in vases containing 2.5% ethanol and 3% sucrose. Vases were placed in chambers at 25°C with a relative humidity about 70% and were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with three replicates. Data were recorded for vase life, fresh weight, solution uptake, membrane stability, total soluble solid over time and analyzed statistically. GA3 50 mg·L−1 and BA 50 mg·L−1 were the most effective treatments on vase life, fresh weight, solution uptake, membrane stability and total soluble solids of gerbera cut flowers. Cytokinins and gibberelins have potential to enhance post harvest quality of cut gerbera flowers.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (SNP) and essential oils as novel antimicrobial agents in extending the vase-life of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii cv. ‘Dune’) flowers. The vase-life of flowers held in a solution containing 5 mg L−1 SNP plus 6% sucrose was found to be significantly higher than with 8-HQC (8-hydroxyquinoline citrate) or control treatments. However, the vase-life was not different to that of flowers held in similar concentrations of silver nitrate. All gerbera flowers held in SNP solutions showed significantly higher relative fresh weight than the control. Vase-life of gerbera flowers was extended by addition of either 50 or 100 mg L−1 carvacrol and either 1 or 2 mg L−1 SNP from 8.3 to 16 d. In addition, the relative fresh weight and solution uptake of gerbera flowers were increased by addition of 100 mg L−1 essential oils and 1 or 2 mg L−1 SNP as compared to that of control flowers. Our results suggest the potential application of essential oils or SNP as novel alternatives to common chemicals used in preservative solutions for gerbera flowers.
Nanotechnology is expected to open new avenues to fight and prevent disease using atomic scale tailoring of materials. Among the most promising nanomaterials with antibacterial properties are metallic nanoparticles, which exhibit increased chemical activity due to their large surface to volume ratios and crystallographic surface structure. The study of bactericidal nanomaterials is particularly timely considering the recent increase of new resistant strains of bacteria to the most potent antibiotics. This has promoted research in the well known activity of silver ions and silver-based compounds, including silver nanoparticles. The present work studies the effect of silver nanoparticles in the range of 1-100 nm on Gram-negative bacteria using high angle annular dark field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Our results indicate that the bactericidal properties of the nanoparticles are size dependent, since the only nanoparticles that present a direct interaction with the bacteria preferentially have a diameter of approximately 1-10 nm.
Cut flowers are the big revenue creators of fresh commodities. In this review, the current status of postharvest technology applied to cut flowers and foliage is discussed. Also included are considerations of the physical, biochemical and genetic mechanisms underlying some of the processes central to cut flower and foliage deterioration, such as abscission, senescence and programmed cell death. Moreover, through examples, solutions to increasing longevity through improvement of cultural practices and sanitation and through genetic engineering are covered, providing practical solutions to the global cut flower market.
Infections with multiresistant bacteria have become a serious problem in joint arthroplasty. This study reports about in vitro antibacterial activity against multiresistant bacteria and in vitro cytotoxicity of polymethylmetacrylate bone cement loaded with metallic silver particles with a size of 5-50 nm called NanoSilver. In vitro antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis, methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE), and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was studied by microplate proliferation tests. Quantitative elution testing and qualitative ongrowth of human osteoblasts was done to study in vitro cytotoxicity. Only NanoSilver cement showed high-antibacterial activity against all strains, including MRSE and MRSA. Gentamicin cement was not effective against MRSA and MRSE due to the high-level gentamicin resistance of the tested strains. Plain cement did not inhibit proliferation of any strains. There was no significant difference regarding in vitro cytotoxicity between NanoSilver and the non-toxic control. Cytotoxicity of cement loaded with silver salts made this kind of silver unsuitable for all day clinical use in the past. This new form of silver called NanoSilver was free of in vitro cytotoxicity and showed high effectiveness against multiresistant bacteria. If the results can be confirmed in vivo NanoSilver may have a high interest in joint arthroplasty.
Post harvest handling of flower crops is a vast sector witnessing the unprecedented load of chemicals being applied on flower commodities to retain their freshness and display quality. Concerns about unregulated use of synthetic chemicals are often not raised as the commodities in question are not consumed as eatables. Several studies from leading flower markets of Europe, Africa and other countries have highlighted the ill-effects of
excessive chemical use on environment and health of flower workers. Nowadays, there is a growing concern to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in food crops and to divert towards organic production, and same also applies to the ornamental plant sector. Use of harmful chemicals such as Silverthiosulphate (STS), Silver nitrate (AgNO3), Aluminium and Cobalt compounds, Hydroxy quinoline, and Thiabendazole (TBZ) during post harvest
handling of flower crops should be minimised to avoid associated health consequences. Safe and effective natural alternatives need to be explored for use in vases to replace these chemicals. This review summarizes role of different chemicals in extending longevity of cut flowers and also associated risks. Various studies on cut flower
handling with use of herbal extracts reveal their potential to reduce the use of chemicals.
This study examined the effects of different chemical substances applied to vase solutions on the post-harvest physiology of cut stems of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum.). Keeping cut stems of lisianthus in vase solutions containing sucrose, Salicylic acid, NaOCl, ascorbic acid, 8-HQC and their combinations improved the water balance of Lisianthus cut stems ultimately leading to improvement in vase life and floret opening. The results of the study indicated that cut lisianthus responded positively to the treatment combination of Sucrose @ 2.5% + Salicylic acid @ 200 mg l-1 + NaOCl 50 ppm, with Favourable vase life (21.92 days), average flower fresh weight (18.35g), physiological loss in weight (21.68) Relative water content (55.880) MSI, RWC. Overall, the results suggest that combination of these sucrose, Salicylic acid (SA), NaOCl chemicals can increase the vase life of lisianthus cut flowers by improving the antioxidant system and reducing damages caused by oxidative stress during senescence. Introduction Vase life is one of the essential quality parameters which decide consumer preference of a cut flower crop. Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) flowers have gained wide popularity in India in recent decades as a cut flower. However, research reports on the post-harvest physiology of lisianthus flowers are meagre. There are many flowers and buds in the Eustoma inflorescence, hence, it is important to improve the post-harvest performance of the Eustoma inflorescence, encourage bud opening and postpone the open flower senescence. The vase life of cut Eustoma flowers is not long (Cho et al., 2001) [3] , and varies among cultivars however, there are few studies of the postharvest physiology of cut Eustoma flowers. Use of floral preservatives has been reported to reduce the level of postharvest losses in many cut flower crops. Various factors such as unfavourable water balance, development of microbes in the holding solutions etc, have been reported as major factors responsible for short vase life in cut flowers. Hence postharvest treatments with compounds witch ensure maintains of favourable water balance and prevention of microbial infestation in holding solution will capable reducing of senescence ultimately leading to extension of postharvest of cut flowers. The present study aimed at assessing the effect of various postharvest treatments on extending the vase life of cut stems of lisianthus variety Mariachi Blue.
The major causes of vase life reduction in cut flowers are the microbial proliferation in vase solution and consequently vascular occlusion preventing water uptakes. In order to control microbial proliferation efficiently, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are used as an enhancer to assess leaf extracts of Psidium guajava and Andrographis paniculata to alleviate xylem blockage in cut Mokara Red orchid flowers. The basal stem of each flower was re-cut and then pulsed with 0, 5 and 10 mg/L Ag-NPs for 24 h. The floral preservative solutions are comprised of control (125 mg/L 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, 8-HQC) and double combination leaf extracts (DCLE) of P. guajava and A. paniculata, each at 15 mg/L. The preservative solutions of DCLE with 5 mg/L Ag-NPs had higher rates of solution uptake and trace amounts of bacterial suspension, which were responsible for increasing the vase life of cut Mokara Red Orchid flowers for 15.49 ± 0.15 days, compared to the 8-HQC control treatment 8.73 ± 0.16 days. Therefore, leaf extracts of P. guajava and A. paniculata have the potential as a biocide to minimize microbial populations and prolong the vase life of cut flowers. However, the potential activities of specific antimicrobial compounds to extend the vase life need to be tested.
Cut hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) flowers are marketed at two different harvest stages, the fresh- and antique-stages. Flowers cut at the fresh-stage are harvested just after the coloring of decorative sepals is completed before flowering, and flowers cut at the antique-stage are harvested when the decorative sepals develop green and/or red colors after flowering. In almost all cultivars, an increase in the hydraulic conductance of the stomata (stomatal conductance) of the abaxial side of decorative sepals occurs during the transition from the fresh to the antique-stage. We investigated the relation between the stomatal conductance increase and the severity of the damage to decorative sepals. The degree of stomatal conductance increase regressed with the severity of the damage occurrence to the antique-stage decorative sepals before harvest. The relation between the stomatal conductance increase and vase life of antique-stage cut hydrangea flowers was also investigated. Abscisic acid (ABA)-treated antique-stage cut flowers exhibited lower stomatal conductance on the abaxial side of decorative sepals than control cut flowers. A photoperiodic change in the transpiration was observed in the control cut flowers, but not in ABA-treated cut flowers. These ABA treated cut flowers had longer vase lives than control cut flowers. To achieve minimal damage before harvest and longer vase life in the antique-stage during cut hydrangea flower production, screening for stomatal conductance non-increasing cultivars would be desirable. Since the stomatal conductance of antique-stage decorative sepals showed a highly significant correlation with fresh-stage decorative sepals, these can be used as an index in screening for stomatal conductance non-increasing cultivars.
Treatment with sucrose promoted petal growth associated with flower opening in cut roses. We investigated the effect of sucrose treatment on cell size and subcellular concentration of soluble carbohydrates in petals of cut rose cv. Sonia flowers. Petals of sucrose-treated flowers, but not control flowers, markedly curved outward, resulting in complete reflection. Petal fresh weight (FW), petal area, and adaxial epidermal cell size in the control flowers increased with time, and treatment with sucrose accelerated this increase, indicating that sucrose promotes petal cell expansion. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, methyl glucoside, and xylose were detected in the petals. In the petals of control flowers, concentration of these carbohydrates, except fructose, decreased. Sucrose treatment markedly increased glucose and fructose concentrations in petals. Estimation of subcellular volumes based on transmission electron micrographs showed that volume of cell walls and vacuoles in the petals of control flowers increased in response to sucrose treatment. Sucrose treatment increased glucose and fructose concentrations in the vacuole and glucose, fructose, and xylose concentrations in the apoplast. We concluded that sucrose treatment increases glucose and fructose concentrations in the vacuole, which may reduce the osmotic potential of the symplast and increase water uptake leading to cell expansion during flower opening.
A floral preservative solution containing aluminum sulfate at 150 mg L-1 under 25°C, extended cut eustoma (Eustoma grandiflorum Shinn. cv. Hei Hou) vase life. The vase life was about 15 days for cut flowers supplied with aluminum sulfate, whereas the vase life of the water controls was only 8 days. The fresh weight of cut eustoma flowers treated with aluminum sulfate continued to increase up to 8 days after vase treatment, then declined thereafter. By contrast, the fresh weights of cut eustoma flowers in water controls began to reduce at the 6th day after vase treatment. The water loss from cut eustoma flowers treated with aluminum sulfate Was lower than that of water controls during vase period, and the reverse was true for water uptake.
Most of the carnation cultivars are sensitive to exogenous ethylene and their petals exhibit autocatalytic ethylene production during senescence. Compounds containing silver have been shown to act as anti-ethylene agent in improving postharvest characteristics of cut flowers. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications by applying four concentration of silver nano-particles in vase solution of cut carnation cultivar 'Miledy'. ICP-AES analyses revealed that the higher amount of silver was absorbed in various tissues of plants treated with 5 mg L-1, compared to other concentrations. Cut stems of 'Miledy' cultivar receiving 5 mg L-1 of silver nano-particles showed the highest vase life and the lowest rate of ethylene production. The tissue accumulation of Ag element was generally higher in basal stem ends and leaves treated with 5 mg L-1 than other concentrations. The results of ICP and ethylene measurement showed that silver nano-particles reduced ethylene production as well as bacterial growth in vase solution and resulted improved vase life of carnation.
A study was conducted to determine the effects of sucrose (at 0, 20, 40 and 60 g L-1), citric acid (at 0 and 160 mg L-1), aluminum sulphate, (at 0 and 160 mg L-1) and silver nitrate (at 0 and 120 mg L-1) on vase life and quality attributes of lisianthus cut flowers (cultivar 'Mariachi Blue Fonce'). Cut flowers were treated with the above mentioned compounds during 34 days storage at 20 ± 2°C and at the end of shelf life the amount of electrolyte leakage, relative water content and days to peduncle bending were determined. 60 g L-1 sucrose in combination with citric acid was the most effective treatment in increasing the vase life. Flowers treated with 60 g L-1 sucrose and aluminum sulphate had the highest relative water content. The lowest electrolyte leakage (29.84%) was recorded in flowers treated with 60 g L-1 sucrose and 120 mg L-1 silver nitrate. Treatment with the combination of 60 g L-1 sucrose, citric acid and silver nitrate was the most effective treatment in delaying the peduncle bending.
Cut gerbera flowers are sensitive to microbial contamination and have a short vase life. Silver nanoparticles are used in various applications as an antimicrobial agent. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different concentrations of SNP and chlorophenol to extend the vase life and postharvest quality of gerbera (Gerberajamesonii cv. 'Balance') cut flowers. Cut gerbera flowers were kept in solutions containing 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg l(-1) SNP and/or 0, 5 and 10 mM chlorophenol for 24 hr; then held in vase solution containing 250 mg l(-1) 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate and 3% sucrose. The maximum vase life (16.33 days) was observed in flowers held in solution containing 10 mg l(-1) SNP. The 5 mg l(-1) SNP plus 10 mM chlorophenol and 10 mg l(-1) SNP plus 5 mM chlorophenol inhibited bacterial growth in the vase solution. The minimum fresh weight loss (6.48 gr) during the vase period was observed for flowers kept in solution containing 20 mg l(-1)1 SNP. The results revealed that SNP and chlorophenol have the potential to extend vase life and enhanc the postharvest quality of cut gerbera cv. 'Balance' flowers.
The relative efficacies of three chemically different nano-silver (NS) formulations were evaluated for their potential to extend the vase life of short-lived cut Acacia holosericea foliage. The novel proprietary formulations were neutral NS, acidic NS and ionic NS. They were characterised in terms of particle size, pH value, colour and odour. The NS treatments were applied as vase (lower concentrations) or pulse (higher concentrations) solutions. Among the treatments compared, neutral NS as a 4 mg L−1 vase solution or as a 40 mg L−1 24 h pulse treatment and acidic NS as a 0.5 mg L−1 vase solution or as a 5 mg L−1 24 h pulse treatment significantly (P ≤ 0.05) extended the vase life of A. holosericea. Vase life extensions over the deionised water (DI) controls were associated with better maintenance of relative fresh weight and vase water uptake, suppression of bacterial growth in the vase water and stem-end, and delaying stem blockage. In contrast, ionic-NS applied as a 0.5 or 1 mg L−1 vase solution treatment or as a 5 or 10 mg L−1 pulse treatment caused severe phytotoxicity to cut A. holosericea stems. The results suggest that NS treatments, especially neutral NS and acidic NS pulse treatments, could be a potential postharvest technology for commercial application to cut A. holosericea.
Postharvest treatments with nano-silver (NS) significantly improve water relations and therefore prolong the vase life of several cut flowers, including rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Movie Star). The efficacy of NS in alleviating bacterial related blockage in the stem-ends of cut cv. Movie Star was further investigated. Four dominant bacteria strains Pseudomonas fluorescens, Aeromonas sp., Comamonas acidovorans and Chryseomonas luteola were isolated from the stem-ends of cut roses. High numbers of the isolated bacteria at 108 colony forming units mL−1 vase solution led to a sharp reduction in vase life, flower fresh weight, and water uptake. In vitro assessments of the antibacterial activity of NS against the four bacterial strains was >80% at 5 mg L−1 and nearly 100% at 50 mg L−1. Bacterial blockage in the stem-ends of cut cv. Movie Star roses with and without NS pulse treatments was assessed during the vase period using scanning electron microscopy. Following a 50 mg L−1 NS pulse treatment, there were few bacterial cells on the cut surface of the stems even on day 7. Moreover, no obvious bacterial blockage was observed inside the xylem vessels. In contrast, the cut surface of control stems was covered with bacteria and associated amorphous substances, and numerous bacteria were found in the xylem vessels.
Using Porter's (1990) model of international competitive advantage, the flower export industries in Australia, Colombia, Israel and the Netherlands are examined. The analysis reveals that the basic factors of production are a great deal more important in the evolution of flower export industries than the literature would suggest. However, if the natural resource endowments are to be fully exploited, there is a need for a significant investment in infrastructure. The most significant of these investments is the development of a fully integrated supply chain from the producer to the customer. These infrastructure investments are made more easily where the industry is highly concentrated (clustered), strong, cohesive flower export councils have developed and where government has provided appropriate macro level incentives. However, the most significant role of government is its ability to negotiate and maintain preferential market access. While Porter (1990) maintains that a large and highly sophisticated domestic market is an advantage, in the flower export industry, a strong export culture is more important. With the large amounts of foreign investment being made in the emerging flower export countries, there is evidence to suggest that the double-diamond approach advocated by Rugman (1992) may be more appropriate in an examination of the international competitiveness of flower export nations.
In determining vase life (VL), it is often not considered that the measured VL in a particular experiment may greatly depend on both the preharvest and evaluation environmental conditions. This makes the comparison between studies difficult and may lead to erroneous interpretation of results. In this review, we critically discuss the effect of the growth environment on the VL of cut roses. This effect is mainly related to changes in stomatal responsiveness, regulating water loss, whereas cut flower carbohydrate status appears less critical. When comparing cultivars, postharvest water loss and VL often show no correlation, indicating that components such as variation in the tissue resistance to cavitate and/or collapse at low water potential play an important role in the incidence of water stress symptoms. The effect of the growth environment on these components remains unknown. Botrytis cinerea sporulation and infection, as well as cut rose susceptibility to the pathogen are also affected by the growth environment, with the latter being largely unexplored. A huge variability in the choices made with respect to the experimental setup (harvest/conditioning methods, test room conditions and VL terminating symptoms) is reported. We highlight that these decisions, though frequently overlooked, influence the outcome of the study. Specifications for each of these factors are proposed as necessary to achieve a common VL protocol. Documentation of both preharvest conditions and a number of postharvest factors, including the test room conditions, is recommended not only for assisting comparisons between studies, but also to identify factors with major effects on VL.
Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L. ‘Dutch Master’) flowers senesced prematurely when exposed to 1 μl l−1 ethylene. The hormone caused watersoaking of the perianth, a symptom not seen in perianths of flowers held in air. Ethylene also enhanced the expression of senescence-associated transcripts in the daffodil tepals. The ethylene-enhanced transcript accumulation and the ethylene-accelerated senescence were prevented by pretreating the flowers with 500 nl l−1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for 6 h at 20 °C. Repeated 1-MCP treatments provided only a modest extension in longevity of attached flowers held in air and had no noticeable effect on the life of detached flowers held in water. The unpollinated flowers produced negligible amounts of ethylene (<0.5 nl g−1 FW h−1) throughout their maturation and senescence. Following cross-pollination, the flowers produced up to 3.7 nl g−1 FW h−1 ethylene and the perianth senesced prematurely. The effect of pollination was prevented by pretreating the flowers with 1-MCP. The life of the flowers was extended when they were held in solutions containing 100 μM gibberellic acid (GA3). GA3 also delayed the senescence following pollination and exposure to ethylene, although the delay was much less than that resulting from the 1-MCP treatment.
Grevillea ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ inflorescences have cut flower potential, but their vase life is short. End of vase life is characterized by early wilting. The possibility of physiologically mediated stem end blockage was investigated. Hydraulic conductance of 2 cm long stem end segments declined rapidly and remained lower throughout vase life than that of 2 cm long stem segments from immediately above. Re-cutting daily to remove basal 2 cm stem ends increased solution uptake, delayed declines in inflorescence water potential and water content, and improved inflorescence vase life. S-carvone is a potential inhibitor of wound related suberin formation, via inhibition of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Vase solution treatments with S-carvone (0.318 and 0.636 mM) delayed the decline in hydraulic conductance of basal 2 cm long stem end segments and decreases in vase solution uptake and relative fresh weight of cut stems, and extended vase life. Treatments with the catechol oxidase inhibitor 4-hexylresorcinol (2.5–10 mM) also delayed stem end blockage. These findings suggest that stem end blockage in cut G. ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ stems is physiologically mediated.
Effects of pulse treatments with nano-silver (NS) particle (2-5nm diam) solutions on the vase life of cut rose cv. Movie Star flowers were investigated. Pulse treatments of NS at 50, 100 and 250mgL-1 were for 1h. Stems were then transferred to deionized water (DI) and evaluated daily for vase life and quality. The 250mgL-1 NS pulse treatment was phytotoxic. However, pulse treatments for 1h with 50 and 100mgL-1 NS solutions extended vase life and suppressed reduction in fresh weight during the vase period. The amounts of water uptake and water loss by the cut flowers decreased upon NS treatment. Stem hydraulic conductance decreased with time, but this decrease was suppressed by pulse treatments of 50 and 100mgL-1 NS. ICP-AES analyses revealed that the Ag concentration in basal stem ends was generally higher than in upper stem ends, leaves and petals. NS pulse treatments reduced stomatal aperture and inhibited leaf transpiration. They also delayed expression of the aquaporin gene, Rh-PIP2. These evidently beneficial effects of NS pulse treatments are discussed.
This paper describes the formation and characterization of liposome entrapping the silver nanoparticles in bilayer. Silver nanoparticles were entrapped in the bilayer of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposome, named as silver-loaded liposome. Specifically, above the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature of this lipid (i.e., 41 degrees C), it was observed that membrane fluidities of silver-loaded liposomes were increased, and fluorescence anisotropy values were reduced from 0.114 to 0.097. This might be due to the structural modifications and interactions between DPPC molecules and silver nanoparticles within the bilayer. It was also confirmed that silver nanoparticles were entrapped in hydrophobic region of lipid bilayer with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurements.
Although xylem provides an efficient transport pathway for water in plants, the hydraulic conductivity of xylem (K(h)) can still influence plant water status. For decades, the K(h) of functional xylem has been assumed to be constant in the short term because xylem consists of a network of dead interconnected capillary elements (conduits). Recent research has shown that K(h) can change in response to the cation content of the xylem fluid. Volume changes of pectin gel in nanometer-sized pores at inter-conduit connections are hypothesized to be the cause, and implications for xylem transport in planta are suggested. However, it seems too early to be conclusive about this phenomenon because the phenomenon has not been measured in planta with xylem fluids that realistically mimic natural xylem sap and the applied methods used to measure ion-mediated changes in K(h) have drawbacks.
Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles used in preservative solutions for Chrysanthemum cv
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Hutchinson, M. J., Muchiri, J. N., Waithaka, K.
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Süs bitkileri yetiştiriciliğinde iyi tarım uygulamaları
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Hasat sonrası ön uygulamaların kesme gül (Rosa hybrida L.) çiçeklerinin vazo ömrü ve çiçek kalitesine etkisi
- H T Ünsal
Ünsal, H. T. (2022). Hasat sonrası ön
uygulamaların kesme gül (Rosa hybrida
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Effects of different solutions applied during hydration process on vase life of cut narcissus before and after storage
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