Postharvest longevity of rose (Rosa × hybrida ‘Magnum’) flowers treated with anti-ethylene compounds included in nanosponges

Nanosponges are new nano-sized colloidal carriers synthesized from β-cyclodextrins. They have been mainly applied in the chemical-pharmacological field and in waste water decontamination processes. In a previous study, the application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) included in nanosponges significantly improved the display life in carnation. In the present study, nanosponges including 1-MCP, as Smartfresh® (40 nL/L for 6 h), or synthesized (51 mg/10 ml) were evaluated in Rosa x hybrida ‘Magnum’compared to Smartfresh treatment and control in tap water. Smartfresh® was given by injecting 1ml of distilled water into a glass bottle containing the Smart-Fresh® powder using a hypodermic needle that punctured through a septum the lid in sealed box (112 L). Synthesized 1-MCP was put directly in the tap water used for cut flower conservation. Cut flowers treated with Smartfresh® showed increased flower display life up to 10 days. In contrast, cut flowers treated with 1-MCP included in nanosponges or synthesized 1-MCP included in nanosponges did not show longer display life (7-8 days) than control or Smartfresh® treatment. Even it seemed that nano-colloidal carriers could give several advantages to the floriculture field, these results indicate that enhancement of postproduction quality via nanosponges should considered cultivar differences and other factors which may affect nanospongecomplex. Further investigations will be performed in order to investigatethe use of nanosponges as carrier for preservative molecules for improving the cut flowers vase life