The effects of 1-MCP in cyclodextrin-based nanosponges to improve the vase life of Dianthus caryophyllus cut flowers

The present research investigated the effects of a non-volatile formulation of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) embedded in different cyclodextrin (CD)-based nanosponges (NSs) to extend the postharvest longevity of an ethylene-sensitive carnation cultivar. Cut flowers of Dianthus caryophyllus L 'Idra di Muraglia' were treated with alpha- and beta-CD-based nanosponge-1-MCP complexes (alpha- and beta-NS complexes) in tap water to achieve two different concentrations of active ingredient (0.25 and 0.5 mu L L-1). Treated flowers were compared to cut stems exposed to equivalent concentrations of volatile 1-MCP as well as a tap water control with or without pure alpha- and beta-NS. Identical nanoporous compounds were applied by perfusion to yield a total of 15 treatments. Twenty-four hours after the treatments were applied, the cut flowers were exposed to exogenous ethylene (1 +/- 0.2 mu L L-1) for 24 h. The postharvest carnation Bower and leaf quality in addition to ethylene production levels were determined daily (beginning 24h after treatment). None of the alpha-NS complex applications statistically improved the vase life of cut flowers: however. beta-NS complexes were effective in preventing senescence, reducing ethylene production (measured at nearly nil after 11 d), and maintaining original petal color longer. These results were particularly strong at the lowest concentration (0.25 mu L L-1) of beta-NS complex. Overall, this method promoted cut flower longevity (loss of ornamental value after 14.7d; complete damage at day 18.5) better than the commercial 1-MCP gaseous application method. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.