Effects of Postharvest Nano-Silver Treatments on Cut-Flowers

摘要

Nano-silver (NS) is nanometer sized (～2-5 nm) silver (Ag~+) particles used in other applications as an antimicrobial material. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate effects of pulse and vase solution treatments with NS solutions on the vase lives of commercially important rose (Rosa hybrida), carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) and gerbera (Gerberajamesonii) cut-flowers. Both pulse and vase solutions treatments with NS individually and/or in combination extended the vase lives of these three species. Moreover, NS treatments in combination with sugar further prolonged the vase lives of these cut-flowers. In vitro tests and microscope observations indicated that NS treatments inhibited the growth of microorganisms from cut carnation flower vase solution.