Enhancing vase life and antioxidant defence in cut stock flowers using nano silver and nano copper vase solution

Stock cut flowers have become increasingly popular as cut flowers due to their attractive appearance and pleasant fragrance. The most critical parameters determining quality in cut flowers are vase life and flower quality. In this study, we investigated the effect of adding nano copper, along with sodium hypochlorite and nano silver, to vase solutions, considering their antimicrobial properties and ethylene inhibition potential. Different vase solution treatments, including 20 mg/L nano copper, 20 mg/L nano silver, 3 mg/L sodium hypochlorite, and tap water (control), were applied to cut stock flowers to examine their effects on vase life, relative fresh weight, and daily solution uptake parameters. Based on relative fresh weight and daily solution uptake data, vase solutions containing nanoparticles showed gradual changes without abrupt fluctuations in relative fresh weight and daily solution uptake, indicating an initial increase followed by steady decline over time. Nanoparticle treatments positively affected vase life and flower quality, with nano copper application showing greater efficacy compared to nano silver, resulting in a significant increase in vase life. Additionally, SOD, POX, and CAT antioxidant enzyme activities in nanoparticle-containing vase solutions were identified as antioxidant defence mechanisms that can reduce lipid peroxidation and protect plants against stress. Decreased SOD and POX antioxidant enzyme activities were observed in response to increased proline and CAT levels.