Graphene oxide as an antimicrobial agent can extend the vase life of cut flowers

Abstract

“PlantNanOmics” is an emerging topic in agricultural research that explores the potential effect of application of nanomaterials on plant growth. Graphene oxide (GO) has excellent properties due to its basal carbon plane and oxygen-containing functional groups. In the present work, the antimicrobial activity of GO was exploited to extend the vase life and improve the quality of cut roses (cv. Carola). The results revealed that the cut roses cultivated in low doses of GO (0.1 mg/L) had longer vase life, larger diameter, and better water relations. Microbial contaminations at the basal stem end is the most common reason for stem blockage that causes water stress and early wilting of cut flowers. GO was found to act as a germicide, effectively inhibiting the microbial growth at the cut stem end and improving water uptake and water balance of cut roses. Therefore, GO can serve as a promising preservative to increase the ornamental value of cut flowers.