Abstract
Abstract This research was carried out to evaluate the effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the postharvest physiology of carnation and chrysanthemum cut flowers. Synthesized CuNPs were applied at 10 and 20 mg L-1 to both cut flowers by the pulsing method. The physicochemical characteristics and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were measured on 0, 3, 6 and 9 days along the vase life. According to heat map analysis, changes in measured parameters were affected by flower type > vase period > CuNPs concentration. Results also showed that treating the two species of cut flower with CuNPS by the pulse treatment improved the relative fresh weight (RFW), vase solution uptake (VSU), membrane stability index (MSI), flower diameter and total soluble carbohydrate (TSC). Meanwhile, a decrease in both bacterial population of the stem end and the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was observed. In comparison with the control, CuNPs at 20 mg L-1 by pulse treatment almost increased the vase life in both cut flowers by 30%.
Highlights
Various studies have reported inconsistent results that indicate copper (Cu) salts cause either positive, negative or neutral effects on the vase life of different cut flower species (Halevy and Mayak, 1981)
Celikel et al (2011) found that Cu sulfate (CuSO4) at 2 mM can assist in reducing the blockage of the xylem, and improvements in the relative fresh weight (RFW), vase solution uptake (VSU) and vase life of Acacia holosericea and Chamelaucium uncinatum flowers
Heat map analysis Based on a heat map analysis (Figure 2), all measured parameters, except vase life, were categorized into four groups in response to the interaction effect among three factors: two cut flowers, CuNPs at three levels (10 and 20 mg L-1 along with the deionized water (DIW)) and four vase period (0, 3, 6 and 9 days)
Summary
Various studies have reported inconsistent results that indicate copper (Cu) salts cause either positive, negative or neutral effects on the vase life of different cut flower species (Halevy and Mayak, 1981). Van Meeteren et al (1999) observed that one of the positive effects of tap water on the vase life of flowers may be due to the presence of the low concentration of Cu+2 ions. Cu sulfate controls the activity of POD and phenol oxidized enzymes (van Doorn and Cruz, 2000; Celikel et al, 2011). Loubaud and van Doorn (2004) indicated that the pulsing of CuSO4 at 2 mM or as in vase solution at 0.25 and 0.5 mM can delay the wilting of roses, astilbe, and viburnum, as a result of antimicrobial properties and the inhibitory effects on oxidative enzymes
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