A way forward for a sustainable active packaging solution for prolonging the freshness and shelf life of Rosa hybrida L. cut flowers

Abstract

The study aimed to develop a paper-based approach as part of anti-microbial packaging to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut roses. To achieve this, a synergistic solution was developed from a mixture of bay, fenugreek, and lemon extract. A 1:1:1 ratio with an additional 3 % sucrose. It was found effective against Pseudomonas fluorescens, Salmonella typhimurium, and Enterobacter cloacae, which are the primary microorganism responsible for the spoilage of rose flowers. GCMS analysis shows that the presence of eugenol, oleic acid, ascorbic acid, caryophyllene, á-bisabolene, methyl eugenol, á-curcumene, humulene, and allene compounds contributed to the anti-microbial and antioxidant properties of the active matrix. The developed active matrix was coated on a kraft paper called Freshness Keeper (FK). FK paper was subjected to various characterization techniques, such as SEM, FTIR, and GCMS. The study revealed that the mechanical and barrier properties of the paper remained largely unchanged, except for the % elongation break and water absorptiveness. These changes were observed following the paper's coating with the matrix. The results suggest that the coating has the potential to affect the physical properties of the paper. To assess its effectiveness on the vase life and physiochemical characteristics of Rosa hybrida L. cut flowers were tested. The control flowers (without FK) displayed signs of wilting, color change, and bacterial growth after 10–12 d of storage at 2–4 ℃ with 85 % relative humidity. In contrast, the FK-wrapped flowers showed similar signs after 18–20 d of storage, effectively enhancing shelf life by an additional 8–10 d. Furthermore, the FK maintained the freshness and diameter of the cut rose bunches, while simultaneously maintaining the petal moisture content, petal color, and sensory attributes and controlling ethylene production. These results suggest that extending the shelf life of fresh-cut roses can reduce postharvest losses and add value to the flower industries, both domestically and in export markets.