Nano silver treatment significantly increased vase life of cut rose Cherry Brandy with any evident side effects

Postharvest, poscosecha, postcosecha, rosa, rose, Bacillus, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, ion leakage, microbial count, microbial flora. The major cause of vase life reduction in cut flowers is water relation interruption due to vase solution microbial proliferation and vascular occlusion. In order to control microbial proliferation biocides are usually integrated in vase solution preservatives. Beside microbial proliferation control, biocides could affect cut flowers quality and physiology in various aspects. In order to find an easy-to-use and nontoxic compound, cut Cherry Brandy roses were treated with nano silver particles (1, 2.5 or 5%) and sterilized distilled water (control). Effects of nano silver as vase solution biocide and its impact on vase life, water relation, vase solution microbial make-up and population build-up plus different physiological parameters were investigated during this study. Results indicated that nano silver treatment significantly increased vase life and did not result in any evident side effects. It also improved solution uptake and consequently retarded weight loss. In addition, nano silver added to vase solutions efficiently prevented vase solution microbial proliferation. Membrane permeability and chlorophyll content were best maintained by 1% nano silver treatment. Nano silver application also resulted in chlorophyll fluorescence reduction and loss of photosynthetic activity during vase life. Sources:Jowkar, M.M., Khalighi, A., Kafi, M. and Hassanzadeh, N. 2013. EFFECT OF NANO SILVER APPLICATION AS VASE SOLUTION BIOCIDE ON POSTHARVEST PROPERTIES OF CUT 'CHERRY BRANDY' ROSE FLOWERS. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 970:299-308 The picture is by bloemenvanthura.com