When is a Vase Solution Biocide not, or not only, Antimicrobial?

Abstract

The vase life of cut flowers and foliage is often shortened by vascular occlusions that constrict vase solution supply. Reductions in stem conductivity are typically caused by blockage of cut stem ends and xylem conduits by microbes, physiological plugging, and disruption of water columns in xylem vessels by cavitation and air emboli. Cut flower and foliage longevity can be greatly affected by the chemical composition of the vase solution. Provision of biocides prolongs the vase life of numerous species. A broad range of biocides has been suggested to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms in vase solutions; however, their assumed antimicrobial action may be confounded by their other physicochemical effects. In this context, the response of cut stems to biocides may also vary according to the cut flower or foliage type, the specific microorganisms involved, and other vase solution ingredients. This paper explores the efficacy and multifunctional roles of vase solution biocidal agents used in industry and by researchers for cut flowers and foliage.

Effect of different vase solutions on postharvest longevity of cut foliage <i>Ophiopogon</i> <i>japonicus</i>

“…However, CuSO 4 (0.5 mM) and DW had a significant difference on vase life and this may be due to the action of copper involved in enzymatic reactions related to biosynthesis and action of ethylene (Hojjati et al, 2007) and/or its involvement in stem end wound reaction inhibition. Furthermore, as a multifunctional biocide, copper may inhibits the enzymes involved in physiological stem occlusion (Damunupola and Joyce, 2008), thus enhancing the vase life of O. japonicus cut foliage.…”

“…Different types of preservatives or vase solution ingredients are currently used to extend the vase life of flowers and foliage products (Thambugala et al, 2010). Copper is a multifunctional biocide, which is involved in enzymatic reactions related to biosynthesis and action of ethylene (Hojjati et al, 2007), reduces bacterial growth and multiplication, and inhibits enzymes involved in physiological stem occlusion (Damunupola and Joyce, 2008). Among many chemical preservatives, sucrose is the most commonly used vase solution ingredient as it improves the water balance and osmotic potential of cut flowers (Lal et al, 1990).…”

Defense enzyme activities and biochemical variations of Pelargonium zonale in response to nanosilver application and dark storage

“…CAT activity was pronounced at 20 mg L -1 and 40 mg L risks for human health and environment. Although 1-MCP blocks ethylene-induced petal abscission of Pelargonium, the effect is impermanent (Cameron and Reid, 2001;Damunupola and Joyce, 2006). The development of nanotechnology in physiology and biochemistry has expanded the application area of nanomaterials in different fields due to their unique characteristics (e.g., large surface area-to-volume ratio, ability to engineer electron exchange, and highly surface reactive capabilities) (Scrinis and Lyons, 2007).…”

Cell Wall Extensibility and Effect of Cell-Wall-Loosening Proteins during Rose Flower Opening

“…The vase life of cut flowers is often shortened by vascular occlusions that constrict water uptake. A broad range of biocides has been suggested to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms in vase solutions and prolongs the vase life of numerous species (Damunupola and Joyce, 2008). On the other hand, sugar accumulation in petal cells is believed to be a mechanism reducing petal water potential, promoting water influx for cell enlargement and flower opening (Evans and Reid, 1988;Ho and Nichols, 1977;Ichimura et al, 2003); however, when the cell wall of petals remains rigid, neither water influx nor cell expansion may occur.…”