Chitosan and copper nanoparticles in vase solutions elevate the quality and longevity of cut tulips, setting a new standard for sustainability in floriculture

Nanoparticles present innovative solutions for postharvest applications, allowing for the development of compounds that effectively extend the vase life of cut flowers by reducing ethylene production and preventing bacterial growth. As a leading choice among cut flowers, Tulips encounter common issues such as neck bending and a limited display life, which can severely impact their marketability. This experiment aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nano chitosan (CHS-NPs) at 3.5 and 7.0 mg L− 1, nano copper (Cu-NPs) at 15 and 30 mg L− 1, and Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil (LG) at 150 and 300 mg L− 1 as innovative, eco-friendly solutions for improving the quality and extending the vase life of cut tulip flowers. The findings reveal that CHS-NPs and Cu-NPs significantly prolong the vase life of cut tulip flowers, with optimal concentrations determined to be 30 mg L− 1 Cu-NPs (15.56 and 16.33 days) and 7.5 mg L− 1 CHS-NPs (13.01 and 14.00 days), respectively. The greatest RFW% was 110.97 and 112.30% on day 7 in both seasons of cut tulip flowers treated with 30 mg L− 1Cu-NPs. These treatments enhance water uptake and relative fresh weight (RFW%), effectively inhibit microbial growth at the stem base, and prevent bacterial blockages in the xylem for up to seven days. Moreover, they substantially increase chlorophyll levels, total soluble carbohydrates, and proteins while decreasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, thereby enhancing membrane stability. At the same time, the highest SOD and CAT activity were 1.77 and 1.92 Units mg− 1 protein and 2.82 and 2.98 Units mg− 1 protein with the 30 mg L− 1 Cu-NPs in the first and second seasons, respectively. In conclusion, CHS-NPs at 7.5 mg L− 1 and Cu-NPs at 30 mg L− 1 significantly enhance the vase life of cut tulips by improving water balance and antioxidant activity, with Cu-NPs demonstrating better effectiveness. Adopting Cu-NPs at the recommended concentration should be prioritized in the tulip floral industry.