Synergistic effects of oxygen nanobubble, nano-silicon and seaweed extract on promoting quality and postharvest performance of two cut rose flowers

Abstract

The application of novel and cost-effective methodologies to prolong the vase life and improve the quality of harvested flowers, while reducing post-harvest loss, has become increasingly important. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of seaweed extract (SWE), oxygen nanobubble (NB), and nano-silicon (NSi) in a hydroponic system to improve the pre-harvest and post-harvest qualities of cut rose flowers. The experimental design comprised four variables: two cut rose cultivars, namely Samurai and Jumilia; the utilization of NB at two different concentrations (0 and 20 mg L⁻¹); the foliar application of NSi at two different concentrations (0 and 2 ml L⁻¹); and foliar application of SWE at two different concentrations (0 and 1 ml L⁻¹). The quality and longevity of the flowers post-harvest were significantly enhanced by the treatments that were implemented. Comparing Jumilia cv to the control (31 days), the application of NB increased post-harvest life by 47.6 %. In addition, the petals exhibited the lowest Malondialdehyde concentrations. When NSi was applied to the flower, its quality improved by 43.7 % in comparison to the control. The combined treatment of NSi and SWE or individual application of NB resulted in the Samurai cv flower reaching its maximum length of 111.3 cm and 110.7 cm, respectively. The combined application of NB, NSi, and SWE resulted in a significant increase in some nutrient concentrations (N, P, Ca, and Mg) of two cut rose flowers. The utilization of NB, and NSi treatments increased N by 16.5 % and 11.5 %, respectively, compared to the absence of these treatments. The utilization of SWE resulted in a 3.82 % rise in N and a 46.4 % increase in Zn, as compared to the control plants. Based on our findings, the combined application of NB, NSi, and SWE in hydroponic cultivation for cut flowers may improve the flowers' quality and postharvest life. In protected cultivation, NB are an additional promising treatment.