Cold atmospheric pressure plasma as eco-friendly technology prolonged the vase life and improved the quality of cut rose flowers

Abstract

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma is a relatively new technology characterized by safety and high efficiency, that is increasingly attracting attention in agriculture and food industries especially in post-harvest technology. This experiment addresses the potential use of plasma-activated water (PAW) for increment of cut rose flower longevity and quality. A complete randomized design was used in this study, and each treatment had three replicates with six flowers in each replicate. Based on the findings of this study, it seems that PAW application as a preservation solution improves plant water status during postharvest storage and reducing the electrolyte leakage and maintaining the relative water content (RWC). Data from the experiment showed that the plasma activated water decreased the malondialdehyde content and maintains the structure and integrity of the cell membrane through the activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems and phenolic compounds synthesis ultimately leading to postharvest quality and prolonged vase life of cut rose flowers. As PAW is more cost-effective than many other preservatives and is eco- friendly with fewer side effects, so it could be used in preservative solutions as an alternative.