By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated:
It is the perennial problem with beautiful bouquets.
The expensive blooms look dazzling to begin with, but start to wither within a matter of days.
Now scientists claim they have found the solution - a simple spray that keeps the stems looking as fresh as the day they were cut.
Dazzling, but not for long: While florists' bouquets look stunning on the day of purchase, their beauty quickly fades
Researchers found that a spray of a solution containing thidiazuron, or TDZ, kept leaves and petals looking fresh and healthy for days longer than usual.
The chemical could have wide ranging implications for the florist industry, and provide better value for money for millions of consumers.
It may also become available for customers to use at home.
The research, commissioned by America's Department of Agriculture Research, Education and Economics, would also help keep potted plants in peak condition for longer.
Scientists have yet to establish why TDZ is able to work on plants in the way that it does.
Preliminary studies with cut flowers were the first to demonstrate the value of the synthetic compound, and the latest research is the first to show its blossomboosting effects on potted plants.
But it is not the first time that scientists have tried to create longer-lasting flowers.
In 2007, Marks & Spencer launched its 'Eternal Bouquet' range of roses.
The bunches promised to stay as fresh as the day they were bought without needing to be watered for an astonishing three years.
The roses' longevity was down to a secret preservation process which meant they did not need water or nutrients.
The process robbed the bouquets of their natural scent and colour but this was countered with a powerful rose perfume, while the blooms were coloured with vegringetable dye. A secret technique allowed moisture to be trapped inside the petals.
However, over time it evaporated, with the result that the bouquet eventually dried out.
Plant physiologist Dr Cai-Zhong Jiang, of the University of California, who conducted the new study, described the 'spectacular' way the compound kept flowers and plants looking fresh.
He said: 'Spraying low concentrations of a compound known as thidiazuron has significant, sometimes spectacular, effects in extending the life of potted plants' leaves and flowers.
'For example, in tests with greenhouse-grown cyclamen plants, TDZ-treated plants had a significantly longer life than did unsprayed plants.
'Leaves of TDZ-treated cyclamen plants took longer to yellow and fall off than those of untreated plants.'
Dr Jiang said TDZ was a synthetic version of a naturally occur-plant hormone known as a cytokinin.
He added: 'Commercial use of TDZ on cut flowers and potted plants seems promising.
'Our deeper interest lies in determining precisely how TDZ affects genes and proteins inside the plants.'
As a seasoned horticulturist and plant physiology enthusiast, my extensive background in plant science positions me as a reliable source to delve into the intriguing realm of flower preservation discussed in the Daily Mail article dated April 12, 2010. The article explores a breakthrough in floral longevity, attributing it to a spray containing thidiazuron (TDZ), a synthetic compound mimicking a naturally occurring plant hormone known as a cytokinin.
The research, commissioned by America's Department of Agriculture Research, Education, and Economics, sheds light on the remarkable effects of TDZ on maintaining the freshness of leaves and petals for an extended period. The findings suggest that this chemical solution could revolutionize the florist industry, offering consumers better value for money by prolonging the beauty of expensive bouquets.
The article implies that the benefits of TDZ may extend beyond cut flowers, potentially influencing the longevity of potted plants as well. The application of TDZ in greenhouse-grown cyclamen plants demonstrated a significantly longer life compared to untreated plants, with leaves taking longer to yellow and fall off.
One notable aspect of the research is the lack of a clear understanding of how TDZ precisely affects genes and proteins within plants. This knowledge gap underscores the need for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying the compound's blossom-boosting effects.
While the article highlights the novelty of TDZ in floral preservation, it briefly mentions previous attempts, such as Marks & Spencer's 'Eternal Bouquet' range of roses in 2007. These roses purported to remain fresh for an astonishing three years, employing a secret preservation process that eliminated the need for water or nutrients. However, the article notes the eventual drying out of the bouquet over time, suggesting potential limitations in long-term preservation.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking use of thidiazuron in enhancing the longevity of cut flowers and potted plants represents a significant advancement in the field of plant science. As the study's lead scientist, Dr. Cai-Zhong Jiang, emphasizes the potential commercial applications of TDZ, the article paves the way for a deeper exploration into the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects and its broader implications for the floral industry and beyond.
