Floral fortification: Post-harvest strategies for enhancing flower longevity

Due to their perishable nature, the floriculture industry faces significant challenges in preserving the freshness and quality of cut flowers post-harvest. Traditional preservation methods are often inadequate for maintaining flowers' aesthetic and biological value during storage and transport. This review explores the innovative application of nanotechnology in extending the shelf life of cut flowers. Nanoparticles, such as silver and zinc oxide, exhibit unique properties that effectively delay senescence and reduce microbial growth. By examining recent advances and case studies, this review highlights how nanomaterials can enhance water uptake, improve resistance to ethylene, and maintain turgidity in various floral species. Integrating these nanotechnologies promises to revolutionize post-harvest handling, offering significant improvements in flower quality and economic returns for the floriculture sector.