The Applications of Molecular Hydrogen in Horticulture

Abstract

Improvements in the growth, yield, and quality of horticultural crops require the development of simply integrated, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly solutions. Hydrogen gas (H2) has been observed to have fertilization effects on soils by influencing rhizospheric microorganisms, resulting in improvements in crop yield and quality. Ample studies have shown that H2 has positive effects on horticultural crops, such as promoting root development, enhancing tolerance against abiotic and biotic stress, prolonging storage life, and improving postharvest quality of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers. In this review, we aim to evaluate the feasibility of molecular hydrogen application in horticulture and the strategies for its application, including H2 delivery methods, treatment timing, and the concentration of H2 applied. The discussion will be accompanied by outlining the effects of H2 and the likely mechanisms of its efficacy. In short, the application of H2 may provide novel opportunities for simple and cost efficient improvements of horticultural production in terms of increased yield and product quality but with low carbon dioxide emissions.

Is It a Challenge to Use Molecular Hydrogen for Extending Flower Vase Life?

“…Although renewable H 2 is expensive, innovative technologies, such as water electrolysis, are estimated to reduce production costs. Thus, the estimated cost of H 2 application is mainly dependent on labor costs under economic conditions [ 40 ]. However, chemical effects in physiological situations have not been established.…”

“…The Ca 2+ channel inhibitor nifedipine itself negatively impacts fresh-keeping by inhibiting endogenous Ca 2+ [ 41 ]. Hydrogen solution can be preferred over other methods [ 40 , 43 ]. Hydrogen solution is active against a broad range of micro-organisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, and is eco-friendly [ 40 , 43 ].…”

“…Hydrogen solution can be preferred over other methods [ 40 , 43 ]. Hydrogen solution is active against a broad range of micro-organisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, and is eco-friendly [ 40 , 43 ]. We expect that in the period of low-carbon agriculture, H 2 presents unique renewable and eco-friendly solutions for the environment and people, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions on ignition.…”

“…HNW diminishes ROS accumulation and is associated with delayed response senescence and extended flower vase life. H 2 is approved by other industries [ 46 ], which are similar in that its creation, storage, and transport costs will become cheaper, combined with an attractive sense in agricultural production [ 40 , 44 ]. H 2 treatments, which are representative solutions such as HRW or HNW, could be associated with other treatments, including fertilizers, also resulting in lower costs in the floral industry.…”

“…H 2 treatments, which are representative solutions such as HRW or HNW, could be associated with other treatments, including fertilizers, also resulting in lower costs in the floral industry. Even if the current costs are excessive, the application of H 2 -based treatments is likely to be efficient in the future, and these may be extremely promising for a range of postharvest uses [ 40 , 44 ]. Although few studies exist on using hydrogen treatment in the floral industry, H 2 can be used in solution or donor molecule forms and can improve the quality of floral postharvest.…”