Cold plasma-ozonized water reduces petal abscission in Polianthes tuberosa

Subject Areas : Plant Physiology

Fatemeh Nasibi ^{1 *} , Homayoon Farahmand ² , Hadi Noori ³ , Zahra Mousavi Shahabi ⁴

1 - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
2 - Department of Horticultural Sciences, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz. Iran
3 - Department of Interdisciplinary Physics and Technology, Faculty of Advance Science and Technology
4 - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

Received: 2025-03-21 Accepted : 2025-06-15 Published : 2025-07-19

Keywords: Polianthes tuberosa, floret opening, floret abscission, vase life, oxidative stress, ozone,

Abstract :

The postharvest quality and vase life of cut flowers, including tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), face challenges such as incomplete floret opening and premature abscission, reducing market value. This study investigates the use of ozonized water, produced via Cold Plasma Technology (CPT), as a sustainable postharvest treatment. Tuberose flowers were treated with ozonized water for 4, 6, 8, and 10 minutes, and key parameters such as floret abscission, antioxidant enzyme activities, phenolic compounds, and lipid peroxidation were analyzed. Results showed the 8-minute treatment significantly improved vase life by enhancing antioxidant activities, increasing phenolic compound levels, and reducing lipid peroxidation, thereby delaying senescence and preserving cellular integrity. This eco-friendly method offers an effective alternative to chemical treatments, addressing industry demands for sustainable practices by extending vase life, preserving aesthetic quality, and reducing environmental impact. These findings support broader adoption of CPT-based ozonized water in postharvest management.

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