Journal of Environmental Biology

The role of silver nano-particles and silver thiosulfate on the

longevity of cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) flowers

Davood Hashemabadi

Department of Horticultural Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, 41476-54919, Iran

*Corresponding Author E-mail: davoodhashemabadi@yahoo.com

Publication Data

Paper received:

21 December 2012

Revised received:

29 August 2013

Accepted:

05 October 2013

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of silver nano-particles (SNP) and silver thiosulfate (STS) in extending the vase life of cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv. 'Tempo') flowers. Pulse treatments of SNP @ 0, 5, 10 and 15 mg l^-1 and STS @ 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mM were administered to carnation flowers for 24 hr. The longest vase life (16.1 days) was observed in flowers treated with 15 mg l^-1 of SNP + 0.2 mM STS. The least chlorophyll was destroyed in flowers treated with 15 mg l^-1 of SNP + 0.3 mM STS. Our findings showed that the 15 mg l^-1 SNP treatment inhibited bacterial growth in the preservative solution. The control flowers bloomed faster than the treated flowers. The maximum peroxidase activity and the minimum lipid peroxidation were obtained in cut flowers that were treated with 15 mg l^-1 of SNP and 0.3 mM STS. Overall, results of the study revealed that SNP and STS treatment extended the longevity of cut carnation 'Tempo' flowers by reducing oxidative stress, improving anti-oxidant system, reducing bacterial populations and delaying flowering.

 Key words

Dianthus caryophyllus L., Peroxidase activity, SNP, STS, Vase life

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