Eco-friendly synthesis, characterization, and application of silver nanoparticles to extend the vase life of gerbera (Gerbera hybrida)

Both vascular occlusion and microbial growth within vase solution are responsible for the decreased shelf life of cut flowers. Therefore, we aimed to prolong the shelf life of cut flowers using green-synthesized nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent in the vase solution. Tea leaf extract was used to synthesize phytofabricated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), while gerbera (Gerbera hybrida) served as a cut flower in the study. The green-synthesized AgNPs were characterized and confirmed by visual observation, UV-Visible spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Additionally, phytoconstituents and antioxidant potential were analyzed. The experiment included five treatments: AgNPs at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 20 ppm, and silver nitrate at 10 ppm. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The 10 ppm AgNP treatment extended the vase life of gerbera cut flowers by 62.22 % compared to the control. The relative fresh weight (85.63 %), total solution/water uptake (40.3 %), total chlorophyll content in the stem (43.15 %), anthocyanin content in the petals (147.06 %), and flower head diameter (22.22 %) were significantly increased by 10 ppm AgNP treatment compared to the control. Furthermore, treatment with 10 ppm AgNPs significantly inhibited microbial growth (100 %) in the vase, and no vascular occlusion was observed in the stem cross-section. Therefore, the green-synthesized AgNPs offer an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy to extend the vase life of gerbera cut flowers.