A research team from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has successfully extended the postharvest life of Gerbera using environmentally friendly silver nanoparticles synthesised from tea leaf extract.
These silver nanoparticles have been shown to significantly inhibit microbial growth in the flower stem, enhance water uptake, and keep the blooms fresh for a longer period—almost doubling their longevity.
Gerbera flowers are widely used for decoration in homes, hotels, offices, and events such as weddings, birthdays, corporate functions, and national celebrations. Although originally imported from Europe, Gerberas are now commercially cultivated in areas like Jashore, Gazipur, and Savar. However, their short vase life after cutting remains a significant limitation.
The research was led by Dr. Md. Alamgir Hossain, Professor of the Department of Crop Botany at BAU. Assistant Professor Sadiya Arefin Juthee, the first researcher at the university to work on phytonanoparticles, was also part of the core team, along with several others.
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