Multi-walled carbon nanotubes wrapped with polyvinylpyrrolidone can control the leaf yellowing of Alstroemeria cut flowers

Abstract

The rapid yellowing of the leaves on cut flowers with leafy stems severely limits their vase life and commercial value. In this study, the effect of a composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) on the longevity of cut Alstroemeria flowers (Alstroemeria hybrida) was investigated to obtain a solution to this problem. A range of MWCNTs/PVP composite concentrations (0, 3, 6, and 9 mg L−1) was applied in a vase solution (for 24 h) as pulse treatments. Our findings indicate that the composite of MWCNTs and PVP exhibits excellent dispersibility in a vase solution. The results demonstrate that a 3 mg L−1 MWCNTs/PVP concentration was the most effective, extending the vase life of cut Alstroemeria flowers by up to 27 days. Pulsing with MWCNTs/PVP delayed the onset of floret abscission and leaf yellowing by 5 and 18 days, respectively. Additionally, when MWCNTs/PVP solution was applied to cut stems, water uptake remained consistently greater than that of the control. Additionally, MWCNTs/PVP increased the total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, and POX enzyme activity of leaves while decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The results indicate that this composite exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and -negative bacteria, particularly at a concentration of 3 mg L−1. This study demonstrated that adding MWCNTs/PVP to a vase solution of Alstroemeria cut flowers increased their longevity with minimal leaf yellowing symptoms compared to untreated cut stems. As a result, this nanocomposite can be used safely and effectively in vase solutions and in combination with other preservatives.

A novel efficient multi-walled carbon nanotubes/gibberellic acid composite for enhancement vase life and quality of Rosa hybrida cv. ‘Moonstone’

“…Given that the MWCNTs are delivered to the plant’s stem via water, it was critical to ensure that they were evenly distributed throughout the vase solution. Similar results were stated by Mousavi et al [ 10 ] working on cut Alstroemeria .…”

“…However, at high concentrations of MWCNTs (40 or 50 ppm), either MWCNTs alone or the MWCNTs/GA 3 75 ppm composite, the cut rose tips of the petals and leaves turned yellow, brown, and then black more quickly, affecting the quality characteristics and shortening the life of the cut flowers. This could be caused by MWCNTs accumulating within the xylem, which could have negative consequences, such as inhibiting nutrient, water, and plant hormone transport [ 10 ]. Di Zhang et al [ 63 ] explained that the effect of MWCNTs on cut rose longevity was due to their high ability to be absorbed or transported by plant vascular tissue, which can cause increased accumulation within the xylem and vascular tissue blockage, resulting in toxicity, senescence, and wilting, especially at high doses.…”

“…NPs contain unique and size-related physio-chemical characteristics that distinguish them from larger materials [ 9 ]. To reduce the amount of horticultural product waste, nanotechnology also contributes to the postharvest life extension of many horticultural products in a variety of ways, including the creation of new, creative preservative materials (novel nanocomposites), regulating the longevity of cut flower postharvest, flower bud opening and preserving and enhancing cut flower strength and appearance [ 10 ].…”

“…After achieving homogenous MWCNTs, dispersions have been proposed to diffuse into vase water and travel through stem vessels to the leaves via transpiration [17][18][19]. Nanocomposites can be used securely and successfully for Alstroemeria cut flowers in vase solutions, MWCNTs or in a mixture with other preservatives, enhancing their vase life with quality compared to the control [10].…”