Effect of Nanoparticles and Organic Extract Preservatives on Vase Life of Cut Flowers: A Review

Abstract

Cut flowers are used to express appreciation, affection and express emotions on various special occasions. The international trade in cut flowers has expanded in recent years and is expected to grow with the promotion and use of horticultural plants for their therapeutic benefits. Vase life is the period during which a cut flower maintains its appearance in the vase. This is a crucial factor in determining which plant species are ideal for use in floristry, with long vase life plants being considerably more  desirable than short vase life plants. Chemical treatments that extend the life of vases are a major part of floristry. Adding sugars to a vase solution with cut flowers is known to delay aging and extend the life of the vase. Nano-sensors could therefore also help to extend the life of vases with cut flowers and thus enable the monitoring of ethylene concentrations in the warehouses of large growers and wholesalers. In floriculture, nanotechnology has increased yield to potential market value, particularly for essential micronutrients essential for host defence.