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β-Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges as carriers for 1-MCP in extending the postharvest longevity of carnation cut flowers: an evaluation of different degrees of cross-linking

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Abstract

This study investigated the influence of different degrees of cross-linking of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (β-CD-NSs) on the activity of the incorporated 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to extend the postharvest longevity of carnation cut flowers. The polymeric β-CD-NSs were synthesized from cyclodextrins at three varying reticulations, β-CD-NS 1:2, β-CD-NS 1:4, and β-CD-NS 1:8. These carriers were supplied to carry the nonvolatile formulations of 1-MCP at two different concentrations (0.25 and 0.5 μL L−1, ai) through stem and tissues of cut flowers of Dianthus caryophyllus L. ‘Idra di Muraglia’, both sprayed and in vase suspension. Treated cut flowers were compared to those receiving like concentrations of commercially prepared gaseous 1-MCP and to neat β-CD-NS 1:2, β-CD-NS 1:4, and β-CD-NS 1:8. Visual checks for symptoms of senescence alteration (VS), petal color variation, and endogenous ethylene production were registered daily. The β-CD-NS 1:2, β-CD-NS 1:4, and β-CD-NS 1:8 complexes favored decorative value maintenance in carnation cut flowers. In particular, the lowest suspended concentration (0.25 μL L−1) of the β-CD-NS 1:8 complex proved best for maintaining cut flower ornamental quality. β-CD-NS 1:8 treated flowers also appeared longer-lived than those treated with both doses of commercial gaseous 1-MCP. Data on petal color variation and endogenous ethylene production were strictly correlated with VS results. The potential for the formulated 1-MCP-loaded β-CD-NS suspension to induce prolonged vase life was demonstrated. Its use could yield benefits, such as a reduction in total dose and frequency of administration.

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Abbreviations

CD:

Cyclodextrin

1-MCP:

1-Methylcyclopropene

β-CD-NS:

Cyclodextrin-based nanosponge

β-CD-NS complex:

β-Cyclodextrin-based nanosponge-1-MCP complex

VS:

Visual check for symptoms of senescence alterations

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Acknowledgments

The research was supported by a grant from the SeaMarconi Technologies S. a. s. The authors wish to thank AgroFresh. Inc. (Rohm and Haas) for providing SmartFresh™ and Ms. Joan Leonard for the English revision of the manuscript. This research was funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (Miur)—PRIN 2007TNTWH7.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agronomy, Forest and Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Turin, Via Leonardo da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy

    Ludovica Seglie, Marco Devecchi & Valentina Scariot

  2. Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy

    Katia Martina

  3. Sea Marconi Technologies S. a. s., Via Ungheria 20, 10093, Collegno, TO, Italy

    Carlo Roggero

  4. Department of Chemistry IFM, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 7, 10125, Turin, Italy

    Francesco Trotta

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  1. Ludovica Seglie
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  2. Katia Martina
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  3. Marco Devecchi
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  4. Carlo Roggero
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  5. Francesco Trotta
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  6. Valentina Scariot
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Correspondence to Ludovica Seglie.

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Seglie, L., Martina, K., Devecchi, M. et al. β-Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges as carriers for 1-MCP in extending the postharvest longevity of carnation cut flowers: an evaluation of different degrees of cross-linking. Plant Growth Regul 65, 505–511 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-011-9621-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-011-9621-y

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