innovative production of nanoparticle-based ornamental flower freshness solution

Chrysanthemum cut flowers face serious challenges due to rapid wilting and reduced quality after harvest. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a combination of aquarium water and nanoclay as a natural and low-cost preservative solution on increasing the vase life and improving the post-harvest quality of ornamental chrysanthemum flowers. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with ۵ treatments including: Control group (distilled water), pure aquarium water group, nanoclay group (۵۰ppm), nanoclay group (۱۰۰ppm), Aquarium water + nanoclay (۱۰۰ppm) combination group on chrysanthemum flowers with ۳ replications. The measured parameters included vase life (days to ۵۰% wilting), solution absorption, fresh weight loss, microbial population at the stem end, and purity quality (flower vigor, color, and diameter). The results showed that the combined treatment (aquarium water + ۱۰۰ppm nanoclay) was the most effective treatment, increasing vase life by ۵۰% compared to the control (from ۷ to ۱۰.۵ days), improving water absorption by ۴۰%, and reducing the bacterial population by ۹۹%. This treatment also maintained the freshness of the petals and significantly reduced wilting. Final conclusion: The combination of aquarium water (as a source of organic matter) and nanoclay (as a moisture absorber and antimicrobial agent) can be recommended as an ecological and cost-effective solution to increase the life of chrysanthemum cut flowers in the ornamental flower industry.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cut flowers ، nanoclay ، aquarium water ، natural preservative solution ، post-harvest quality