Chitosan and copper nanoparticles in vase solutions elevate the quality and longevity of cut tulips, setting a new standard for sustainability in floriculture.

Nanoparticles offer innovative solutions for postharvest applications, allowing for the development of innovative compounds that effectively extend the shelf life of cut flowers by reducing ethylene production and preventing bacterial growth. Tulips as a leading choice among cut flowers, encounter common issues such as neck bending and a limited display life, which can severely impact their marketability. This experiment aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nano chitosan (CHS-NPs) at 3.5 and 7.0 mg L ^− 1 , nano copper (Cu-NPs) at 15 and 30 mg L ^− 1 , and lemongrass essential oil (LG) at 150 and 300 mg L ^− 1 as innovative, eco-friendly solutions for improving the quality and extending the shelf life of cut tulip flowers. The findings reveal that CHS-NPs and Cu-NPs significantly prolong the vase life of cut tulip flowers, with optimal concentrations determined to be 7.5 mg L ^− 1 and 30 mg L ^− 1 , respectively. These treatments not only enhance water uptake and relative fresh weight (RFW%) but also effectively inhibit microbial growth at the stem base and prevent bacterial blockages in the xylem for up to seven days. Moreover, they substantially increase chlorophyll levels, total soluble carbohydrates, and proteins while decreasing hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) production and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby enhancing membrane stability. In conclusion, CHS-NPs at 7.5 mg L ^− 1 and Cu-NPs at 30 mg L ^− 1 significantly enhance the vase life of cut tulips by improving water balance and antioxidant activity, with Cu-NPs demonstrating better effectiveness. The adoption of Cu-NPs at the recommended concentration should be prioritized in the tulip floral industry.