Abstract
BackgroundCut flower longevity is often limited by adverse water relations or oxidative stress. The potential of single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and MWCNTs, respectively) on prolonging vase life was addressed. Dose–response curves were obtained by applying five concentrations (0–80 mg L−1) of SWCNTs or MWCNTs either once as a foliar spray or continuously in the holding solution of three carnation cultivars. Next, the optimal concentration of either SWCNTs or MWCNTs was employed to evaluate several parameters critical for vase life.ResultsFoliar spray application exerted minor effects on water relations, flower opening and keeping quality. By contrast, including CNTs in the holding solution sustained a positive water balance for a longer period, improved flower opening and prolonged vase life. These effects were similar between SWCNTs and MWCNTs, and were concentration-dependent. The optimal concentration for vase life was higher for MWCNTs as compared to SWCNTs, and for two cultivars as compared to the third one. At optimal concentration, SWCNTs or MWCNTs in the holding solution generally maintained turgidity, and alleviated chlorophyll degradation, electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation. These effects were related to increased activation of enzymatic (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic (carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids) antioxidants.ConclusionCNTs in the holding solution were very effective in stimulating vase life through improved water relations and enhanced antioxidant machinery stimulation.Graphical
Highlights
Cut flower longevity is often limited by adverse water relations or oxidative stress
Effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) applied as a foliar spray or in the holding solution on vase life, flower opening and water relations (Experiment 1) The effect of two CNT types employed at different concentrations as foliar spray or in the holding solution, on vase life was investigated
Effect of CNTs applied as a foliar spray or in the holding solution on vase life, flower opening and water relations (Experiment 1) CNTs in the holding solution generally extended vase life (Fig. 1)
Summary
Cut flower longevity is often limited by adverse water relations or oxidative stress. Short vase life or incomplete flower bud opening are associated with low perceived value ( low consumer satisfaction), and are regarded as primary purchasing barriers [3, 4]. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been shown to both positively affect water balance [9, 10], and stimulate tolerance against drought [11, 12] These promotive effects, were dependent on the plant growth stage, as well as on the concentration and nature (single- or multi-walled) of CNTs [13]. Since previous studies were limited to developing plants, it remains unknown whether or not CNTs can regulate the water balance during the postharvest period If this hypothesis is validated, CNTs may provide an opportunity to alleviate the keeping quality problems associated with disturbed water relations
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