Improvement in post harvest quality of cut flowers of Rosa hybrida cv. ‘First Red ’using biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles

The recent development and implementation of new technologies have led to new era. The nanorevolution which unfolds role of plants in biological and green synthesis of nanoparticles seem to have drawn quite an unequivocal attention with a view of synthesizing stable nanoparticles. In this experiment, a cost effective and environment friendly technique for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from 1mM AgNO₃ solution through the extract of Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites as reducing as well as capping agent is described. Nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS and TEM. DLS and TEM analysis showed the average particle size range from 10 to 30 nm. Further, the efficacy of biologically synthesized Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were evaluated for their potential to increase the postharvest quality of rose cut flower cv.'First Red ’. AgNPs were applied as vase treatments at 25, 50 and 75 ppm along with 4% sucrose and distilled water as control. All the levels of AgNPs significantly improved the vase life compared to control. The microbial growth was suppressed in vase solution, while the relative fresh weight (RFW), relative water content (RWC) and total soluble solid (TSS) as well as membrane stability index (MSI) were maintained as a result of using AgNPs. Among AgNPs treatments, the most effective level was 50 ppm + 4% sucrose. The results suggest that the biologically synthesized AgNPs could be used for improving the postharvest quality of rose cut flower as a promising eco-friendly, non-toxic and novel alternative source to chemical and physical AgNPs sources or common chemicals used as preservative solutions for cut flowers of rose.