Effects of Nano-Silver and Sucrose applications on Cut Flower Longevity and Quality of Tuberose (Polianthus tuberosa)

Abstract

Tuberose (<em>Polianthus</em> <em>tuberosa</em>) is a commercially important cut flower; but its longevity and quality characteristics are compromised by stress during storage and transportation. Thus, it is important to determine the most appropriate preservative solution to best maintained cut flowers. Tests were done to examine the effects on of nano-silver (NS) (0, 15, 30 and 45 mg L^-1) and sucrose (0, 4 and 8%) on the quality properties of fresh weight, relative water content, water uptake, total soluble solids, wilting percentage, flower opening and flower longevity. Results showed that averages of evaluations for flower longevity, open flower and stem diameter, fresh weight and relative water content increased under sucrose application and that those for while flower longevity, open flower and stem diameter, water uptake, fresh weight and relative water uptake were increased by NS application. However, applications of 4% sucrose or 45 mg L^-1 NS treatments enhanced all measured parameters, with only a few exceptions. These parameters were further increased under the treatment of sucrose at 4% combined with 45 mg L^-1 NS, suggesting that the quality of tuberose cut flowers can be improved by treatment with a combination of sucrose and NS.