Treatment with Cu2+ ions extends the longevity of cut Acacia holosericea foliage stems

Abstract

Wilting associated with diminishing post-harvest water uptake is a major constraint on longevity for cut stems of many Acacia spp. Cu2+ ions have known biocidal activity and may also act as inhibitors of plant wound reaction enzymes. A series of experiments were conducted using Cu2+ ions as a pulse, or as a vase-solution additive to evaluate their potential to extend the vase-life of cut A. holosericea foliage stems. Provision of Cu2+ ions in the vase-water at 0.5 mM, or as a 5 h pulse at 1.0 mM, resulted in 1.4- to 2.8-fold, and 1.7- to 2.1-fold extensions of vase-life, respectively, compared to de-ionised water controls. The pulse treatment was optimised, and a 5 h pulse with 2.2 mM Cu2+ ions resulted in a 2.6-fold extension of vase-life. Thus, Cu2+-pulsing can effectively delay wilting in cut A. holosericea foliage stems.