Preservation +
The Applications of Molecular Hydrogen in Horticulture
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ON THE BENEFITS OF HYDROGEN-RICH WATER (HRW)
POST-HARVEST CUT FLOWERS, PLANTS AND PRODUCE
“Ample studies have shown that H2 has positive effects on horticultural crops, such as promoting root development, enhancing tolerance against abiotic and biotic stress, prolonging storage life, and improving postharvest quality of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers.”
“These results suggest that exogenously applied H₂ might improve vase life and postharvest quality in cut flowers by maintaining proper water balance and membrane stability and by reducing stomata size and oxidative damage.”
“The study investigated whether hydrogen-rich water (HRW, as a H₂ donor) might regulate the postharvest preservation of cut rose (Rosa hybrida ‘Movie star’) by regulating bacteria community of the stem ends. The results showed that HRW significantly improved the vase life of cut rose.”
“The results indicated that HRW delayed petal senescence of cut carnation flowers through reducing reactive oxygen species accumulation and initial activities of senescence-associated enzymes.”
“HRW is safe and relatively easy to use. If H2 gas or HRW are utilized in other countries for agricultural purposes, it is tempting to suggest that they could also be widely used in the UK in the future, particularly for postharvest storage, thus reducing food waste.”
“H2 gas, usually in the form of H2-saturated water, could play a useful role in improving many aspects of plant growth and productivity, including resistance to stress tolerance and improved post-harvest durability.”
Positive effects of hydrogen-rich water on vase life and quality in cut lily and rose flowers
Endogenous hydrogen gas delays petal senescence and extends the vase life of lisianthus cut flowers
This study describes potential applications for H 2 in agriculture and food industry, especially in the preservation of fruit and vegetable products.
Progress in the study of biological effects of hydrogen on higher plants and its promising application in agriculture
“H 2 not only delays senescence but also prevents nitrite accumulation during storage.”
Conclusion: In summary, this research showed that endogenous H 2 -prevented nitrite accumulation was due to decreased NR activity and the maintenance of vitamin C content in stored tomato fruit. Considering the other advantages of H 2 , such as nontoxicity, absence of side effects and easy diffusion, these results identify potential uses of H 2 in the agricultural and food industries with respect to the preservation and storage of fruit and vegetable products.
“H 2 has a substantial potential in horticultural applications to reduce fertilizer and pesticide use, providing higher-value and nutrient-rich horticultural crops. Since making technology cheap requires technological advance, we urge the cooperation of the industrial community. The next step may focus on practical application of H 2 in horticulture.”