JP6896322B1 - Cut flower life-prolonging agent - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly safe cut flower life-prolonging agent capable of easily preparing a cut flower life-prolonging agent, promoting the growth of cut flowers, and prolonging the life of cut flowers for a longer period of time. The cut flower life-prolonging agent of the present invention is characterized by containing a nano-natural polymer. Further, it is characterized by containing a cut flower life-prolonging component and / or a fertilizer component in addition to the nanonatural polymer. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a cut flower life-prolonging agent containing a nano-natural polymer.

Traditionally, in Japan, it has long been a custom to offer flowers in front of Buddhist altars. In addition, flower arrangement (flower arrangement), which is a culture unique to Japan, was established in the early modern period, and in the latter half of the Edo period, flower arrangement was widely transformed into the habit of the common people, and it became widely popular mainly for flower arrangement.

On the other hand, in Japan in recent years, domestic cut flower production has been shrinking. It is believed that consumers do not buy flowers because it is difficult to care for them, they do not know how to care for them, or they die in a relatively short period of time.

In addition, a survey of consumers conducted by the Tokai Flower Promotion and Promotion Council found that consumers place the highest priority on the shelf life of cut flowers.

To meet such consumer demand, cut flower life-prolonging agents that can prolong the shelf life of cut flowers are widely known. As a typical component of the cut flower life-prolonging agent, an antibacterial agent that suppresses the growth of various germs such as mold and bacteria is used. The antibacterial agent prevents the growth of various germs in the water of the vase, prevents the germs from adhering to the cut end of the cut flower and impairing the absorption of water, and can be expected to prolong the life of the flower.

In addition, saccharides are also added to cut flower life-prolonging agents for the purpose of maintaining the vivid color and aroma of cut flowers. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an interface between a saccharide and a sugar or sugar alcohol derivative type. Disclosed are freshness-preserving agents for plants such as harvested plants that contain an activator in a specific weight ratio.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a life-prolonging agent for cut flowers, which comprises a mixture of calcium silicate hydrate and a water-soluble saccharide.

On the other hand, in recent years, cellulose nanofibers (hereinafter, also referred to as CNF) have been attracting attention as carbon-neutral materials for the purpose of efficiently reducing CO2 in the atmosphere as a measure against global warming. Generally, CNF is said to be a fibrous substance composed of cellulose having a diameter of 3 to 100 nm and an aspect ratio (fiber length / fiber width) of 100 or more. CNF has excellent properties such as light weight, high strength, and low coefficient of thermal expansion, and is a material expected to be used in various fields in the future.

It is also known that the cut flower life-prolonging agent contains finely divided cellulose. For example, in Patent Document 3, one or more kinds of metals or metal fine particles formed by a compound of the above metals and one or more kinds of finely divided celluloses. Disclosed is a cut flower life-prolonging material that contains a composite of the above and is in an inseparable state in which the composite of metal fine particles and finely divided cellulose is bonded.

The cut flower life-prolonging agents described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are inventions that can be useful for prolonging the life of cut flowers. However, all of them have a problem that the life-prolonging effect of cut flowers is not sufficient. Also, there is still a need for effective cut flower life-prolonging agents for a wider variety of cut flowers.

Further, the cut flower life-prolonging agent according to Patent Document 3 uses a metal ion / CNF complex as a cut flower life-prolonging agent, and is not used alone or in addition to a cut flower life-prolonging agent. ..

Further, the growth promoting effect of cut flowers is not disclosed in any of the above Patent Documents 1 to 3.

JP 2000-103701 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-287001 JP-A-2017-31068 NARO Flower Research Institute Quality control manual for cut flowers that supports longevity guarantee

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a highly safe cut flower life-prolonging agent can be easily prepared, promotes the growth of cut flowers, and prolongs the life of cut flowers for a longer period of time. To provide the agent.

As a result of diligent studies to achieve the above object, the present inventor has focused on the nanonetwork structure of the nanonatural polymer dispersion and the surface adsorption force resulting from the nanonetwork structure. That is, a nano-natural polymer dispersion and a cut flower life-prolonging component are mixed, or a nano-natural polymer dispersion and a liquid fertilizer are mixed, or a nano-natural polymer dispersion alone is used as a cut flower life-prolonging agent to cut flower stems. It has been found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by coating the cut end of the stem with a nano-natural polymer to suppress leakage of the contents of the stem, and the present invention has been completed.

That is, the cut flower life-prolonging agent of the present invention is characterized by containing a nano-natural polymer.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, a cut flower life-prolonging agent can be easily prepared, and a highly safe cut flower life-prolonging agent capable of promoting the growth of cut flowers and prolonging the life of cut flowers for a longer period of time is provided.

It is a conceptual diagram of the manufacturing (defibration processing) apparatus of CNF. It is a conceptual diagram of another CNF manufacturing (defibration processing) apparatus. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the part of the manufacturing (defibration processing) apparatus of CNF in FIG. 2 in an enlarged manner. It is a state of a rose after 18 days in Test Example 2 (Example 3). It is the state of the rose after 18 days in Test Example 2 (Comparative Example 1).

Next, the cut flower cultivating agent of one embodiment of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The cut flower life-prolonging agent of the present invention is intended to be used not only for cut flowers but also for plants used for cut leaves (leaves), branches, ikebana and the like.

The nanonatural polymer used in the present invention is a fibrous substance having a diameter of less than 1 to 1000 nm and having a length of 100 times or more the diameter, or a natural polymer nanofiber having a diameter of 10 to 50 nm and a length of 10 to 50 nm. It is a natural polymer nanocrystal which is a rod-shaped or spindle-shaped ultrafine crystal having a diameter of 100 to 500 nm or less.

The natural polymer used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polysaccharides such as cellulose, chitin and chitosan, proteins such as collagen and gelatin, polylactic acid and polycaprolactam.

In the present invention, it is preferable to use natural polymer nanofibers having a crystallinity in the range of 50% or more. The crystallinity can be measured by an X-ray diffraction method or the like, and if the crystallinity is less than 50, the characteristics of natural cellulose crystals cannot be sufficiently brought out, and deterioration over time during storage due to putrefaction or the like cannot be sufficiently obtained. May cause. Further, when natural polymer nanofibers having low crystallinity are used, many natural polymer nanofibers are required to maintain the nanonetwork structure, and the network structure may be inferior in elasticity.

Next, a method for preparing cellulose nanofibers and an aqueous solution of cellulose nanocrystals using cellulose as a natural polymer will be described. In the present invention, examples of CNF include CNF derived from polysaccharides including natural plants such as wood fiber, hardwood, conifer, bamboo fiber, sugar cane fiber, seed hair fiber, leaf fiber and seaweed. Further, it may be produced from crop residues derived from leaves, flowers, stems, roots, exodermis and the like of plants such as bagasse, rice straw, tea leaves and pomace of fruit juice. These CNFs may be used alone or in admixture of two or more. As the polysaccharide, it is preferable to use pulp having an α-cellulose content of 60% to 99% by mass as a raw material. If the purity has an α-cellulose content of 60% by mass or more, the fiber diameter and fiber length can be easily adjusted and the entanglement of the fibers can be suppressed. In this case, the characteristics of natural cellulose crystals cannot be fully brought out, and there is a risk of causing deterioration over time during storage due to rot, etc., and if 99% by mass or more is used, the fibers may be defibrated at the nano level. It becomes difficult.

As the pulp, papermaking pulp can be used because it is easily available and inexpensive, and the production method is not particularly limited. For example, bleached kraft pulp, unbleached kraft pulp, sulfite pulp, soda pulp, thermomechanical pulp, etc. Examples thereof include deinked pulp, used paper pulp, and dissolved pulp. Among these, bleached kraft pulp and unbleached kraft pulp are preferable because they are more easily available.

The CNF in the present invention can be obtained as a CNF dispersion (hereinafter, may be referred to as a water-containing CNF) by performing the following defibration treatment.
The defibration treatment is performed by using the underwater facing collision method (hereinafter, also referred to as the ACC method) shown in FIG. This is a method in which pulp suspended in water is introduced into two nozzles (FIGS. 1: 108a and 108b) facing each other in a chamber (FIG. 1: 107), and the pulp is injected and collided from these nozzles toward one point. is there. The device shown in FIG. 1 is of a liquid circulation type, with a tank (FIG. 1: 109), a plunger (FIG. 1: 110), two opposing nozzles (FIGS. 1: 108a, 108b), and heat as needed. A exchanger (FIG. 1: 111) is provided, and fine particles dispersed in water are introduced into two nozzles and injected from the nozzles (FIGS. 1: 108a and 108b) facing each other under high pressure to cause a facing collision in water.

Before carrying out the defibration treatment, the defibration treatment may be carried out using a pretreatment device (FIGS. 2 and 3). Further, as another defibration method, such a pretreatment device may be used. The defibration treatment using the pretreatment apparatus is carried out by colliding high-pressure water of about 50 to 400 MPa with the polysaccharide prepared in a water mixture of 0.5 to 10% by mass. This can be done, for example, by using the manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The manufacturing apparatus 1 has a polysaccharide slurry supply path 3 which is a first liquid medium supply path arranged so that the polysaccharide slurry can be supplied to one chamber 2, and a non-polysaccharide slurry which is water, for example, in one chamber. It comprises a second liquid medium supply path 4 that circulates through 2. The one chamber 2 is provided with an orifice injection unit 5 that injects the non-polysaccharide slurry of the second liquid medium supply path 4 into an orifice in a direction intersecting the polysaccharide slurry supply direction from the polysaccharide slurry supply path 3. The polysaccharide slurry supply path 3 allows the polysaccharide slurry to be circulated through one chamber 2.

The polysaccharide slurry supply path 3 and the second liquid medium supply path 4 have a mutual intersection 6 in one chamber 2.
The polysaccharide slurry supply path 3 is a polysaccharide slurry supply section, and the tank 7 and the pump 8 for storing the polysaccharide slurry are arranged in the circulation path 9, while the second liquid medium supply path 4 is the tank 10, the pump 11, and the heat. The exchanger 12 and the plunger 13 are arranged in the liquid medium supply path 4 which is a circulation path.

The non-polysaccharide slurry is, for example, water, which is initially stored in the tank 10 and then passes through the intersection 6 with the operation of the cellulose nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 1 to store the nano-miniaturized polysaccharide in the tank 10. Those in a state where they are to be contained at a concentration according to the degree of operation are also comprehensively referred to.

As shown in FIG. 3, the circulation path 9 of the polysaccharide slurry supply path 3 is arranged in a manner of penetrating the chamber 2, and the non-polysaccharide slurry can be orifice-injected in the direction intersecting the circulation path 9 so as to penetrate the circulation path 9. The orifice injection port 15 of the orifice injection section 5 connected to the plunger 13 of the second liquid medium supply path 4 opens inside the chamber 2. The discharge port 16 of the chamber 2 is provided at a position facing the orifice injection port 15 of the chamber 2, and the circulation path of the second liquid medium supply path 4 is connected to the discharge port 16 of the chamber 2 to form a second liquid. The medium supply path 4 is configured.

On the other hand, the circulation path 9 of the polysaccharide slurry supply path 3 is formed by using, for example, a vinyl hose, a rubber hose, an aluminum pipe, or the like, and the valve is opened only in the chamber 2 direction on the entry side of the circulation path 9 into the chamber 2. The directional valve 17 is attached. Further, a one-way valve 18 that is opened only in the discharge direction from the chamber 2 is attached to the exit side of the circulation path 9 from the chamber 2. In addition, an air suction valve 19 is attached to the circulation path 9 between the chamber 2 and the one-way valve 18, and the air suction valve 19 is opened only in the direction of sucking air into the circulation path 9 from the outside.

According to the above-mentioned cellulose nanofiber manufacturing apparatus, cellulose nanofibers are manufactured as follows.
The non-polysaccharide slurry is circulated through the chamber 2 through the second liquid medium supply path 4. Specifically, the pump 11 is used to pass the non-polysaccharide slurry in the tank 10 through the heat exchanger 12 and the plunger 13 to circulate in the liquid medium supply path 4. On the other hand, the polysaccharide slurry is circulated in the polysaccharide slurry supply path 3 via the chamber 2. Specifically, the pump 8 is used to circulate the polysaccharide slurry in the tank 7 in the circulation path 9 formed by using a vinyl hose, a rubber hose, or the like.

As a result, the non-polysaccharide slurry that circulates in the second liquid medium supply path 4 is orifice-injected to the polysaccharide slurry that circulates in the polysaccharide slurry supply path 3 and circulates in the chamber 2. Specifically, high-pressure water is supplied from the plunger 13 to the orifice injection port 14 connected to the plunger 13, and the orifice is injected from the orifice injection port 15 toward the circulation path 9 at a high pressure of about 50 to 400 MPa.

As a result, it passes through the through holes 27a and 27b formed in advance in the circulation path 9 formed by using, for example, a vinyl hose, a rubber hose, an aluminum pipe, etc., and passes through the inside of the circulation path 9 in a direction intersecting the circulation path 9. The non-polysaccharide slurry is discharged toward the discharge port 16 of the chamber 2 while involving the polysaccharide slurry circulating in the circulation path 9, and flows into the second liquid medium supply path 4. As a result, the non-polysaccharide slurry circulates in the second liquid medium supply path 4 again.
In the process of repeating the above process, the polysaccharides in the polysaccharide slurry circulating in the polysaccharide slurry supply path 3 and circulating in the chamber 2 and the polysaccharides in the non-polysaccharide slurry circulating in the second liquid medium supply path 4 are gradually defibrated. Therefore, a CNF dispersion having a high degree of uniformity of defibration according to the application can be obtained.

The degree of defibration from pulp fibers to CNF can be evaluated by the viscosity value of the CNF dispersion liquid. That is, since the CNF contained in the CNF dispersion having an increased degree of defibration has a short fiber length, the viscosity value is low. Therefore, the CNF dispersion having a high degree of defibration has a low viscosity. On the other hand, in the CNF dispersion having a higher viscosity value than this, the CNF contained in the CNF dispersion has a long fiber length, so that the viscosity value is high. Therefore, the degree of defibration is lower than that of the CNF dispersion.
Further, since the ratio (aspect ratio) of the fiber length to the fiber diameter after defibration is different for each pulp fiber, the viscosity value of the CNF dispersion liquid is different for each pulp fiber.
Further, for example, by combining different types of pulp fibers or by adjusting the degree of defibration, the viscosity of 1 wt% of the CNF aqueous dispersion can be adjusted in the range of approximately 300 to 10,000 mPa · s.

The CNF obtained as described above has a structural formula represented by the following chemical formula 1 without any structural change of the cellulose molecule because the nanominiaturization is performed by cleaving only the interaction between the natural cellulose fibers. In other words, the CNF used in the present invention means that it has 6 hydroxyl groups in the cellobiose unit in Chemical Formula 1 and is not chemically modified. This can be confirmed by comparing the IR spectrum of cellulose with the CNF used in the present invention using FT-IR. By this ACC method, the average particle length of cellulose fibers can be pulverized to 10 μm, and as a result, CNF having an average thickness of 3 to 200 nm and an average length of 0.1 μm or more can be obtained.

The cellulose nanocrystals in the present invention are obtained by subjecting the cellulose fibers obtained by the ACC method to a chemical treatment such as acid hydrolysis using an acid such as sulfuric acid, or to the pulp before the micronization treatment by the ACC method. It is obtained by subjecting chemical treatment such as acid hydrolysis of sulfuric acid, etc., and then performing micronization treatment by the ACC method. Cellulose nanocrystals are also called cellulose nanowhiskers.

For the measurement of the average thickness and the average fiber length, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), etc. are appropriately selected, CNF is observed and measured, and 20 or more are selected from the obtained photographs. , Obtained by averaging each of these. On the other hand, in the counter-collision treatment, the applied energy is far less than the energy for breaking the covalent bond (estimated to be 1/300 or less), and the degree of polymerization of cellulose is unlikely to decrease. The cellulose nanofibers obtained by this ACC method show amphipathic properties in which hydrophilic sites and hydrophobic sites coexist.

By defibrating CNF to an average thickness of 3 to 200 nm, it has fluidity and excellent sprayability. On the other hand, if the average thickness is less than 3 nm, dehydration may be poor and it may be difficult to increase the solid content concentration, and if the average thickness exceeds 200 nm, the fluidity is lowered and the sprayability is good. In addition to the fact that the fiber thickness is widely distributed, there is a risk that it will not exhibit homogeneous properties.

As the CNF in the present invention, it is preferable to use one having an average degree of polymerization in the range of 500 to 900. The average degree of polymerization can be measured by a measuring method using a copper ethylenediamine solution or the like.
Dissolve 0.15 g of CNF solid content in 30 mL of 0.5 M copper ethylene diamine solution, measure the viscosity η of the CNF / copper ethylene diamine solution using a Canon Fenceke kinematic viscosity tube, and determine the viscosity of the 0.5 M copper ethylene diamine solution. As η0, the ultimate viscosity [η] was obtained from the following Schulz-Blaschke equation, and the degree of polymerization DP was calculated from the following Mark-Houwink-Sakurada equation.
Specific viscosity ηsp ＝ η / η0-1
Extreme viscosity [η] = ηsp / {c (1 + A × ηsp)}
η0 is the viscosity of the 0.5M copper ethylenediamine solution, c is the CNF concentration (g / mL), A is an intrinsic value determined by the type of solution, and in the case of the 0.5M copper ethylenediamine solution, A = 0. 28.
Degree of polymerization DP = [η] / Ka
K and a are eigenvalues determined by the type of polymer and solvent, and K = 0.57 and a = 1 in the case of cellulose dissolved in a copper ethylenediamine solution.

In the present invention, TEMPO oxidation catalyst treatment, phosphoric acid esterification treatment, ozone treatment, enzyme treatment, maleic acid treatment, hydrophobic modification with alkenyl succinic anhydride, and alkyl keten, which are known as other methods for producing cellulose nanofibers. Wet pulverization using the mechanical action of cellulose nanofibers or grinders (stone mill type crushers), disc type refiners, conical refiners, etc. obtained by chemical treatment methods such as hydrophobic modification by dimer and hydrophobic modification by acetylation. Even cellulose nanofibers obtained by a physical method of thinning cellulosic fibers can be used as a CNF dispersion in the present invention. In addition, cellulose nanofibers obtained by a method in which chemical treatment and physical treatment are used in combination can also be used as a CNF dispersion liquid.

-Cut flower life-prolonging agent-
The cut flower life-prolonging agent of the present invention includes a nano-natural polymer, a nano-natural polymer dispersion and a cut flower life-prolonging component, a nano-natural polymer and a fertilizer component, and a nano-natural polymer. It refers to a substance containing a dispersion liquid, a cut flower life-prolonging component, and a fertilizer component.

The cut flower life-prolonging component in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is known as a cut flower life-prolonging component, but if specific examples are dared to be listed, one or more saccharides selected from monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, and surfactants. , Soda hypochlorite that prevents the growth of bacteria and mold, preservatives and bactericides such as aluminum sulfate and 8-hydroxyquinoline, colloidal particle coagulation and precipitants such as aluminum sulfate, and thiosulfate that suppresses the biosynthesis of ethylene. It suffices to contain at least one of silver and the like, plant hormones such as gibberellin, amino acids that can be a nutrient source for plants, and inorganic nutrients. Further, a commercially available product containing the cut flower life-prolonging component may be used. Further, other components may be contained as long as the functions of the cut flower life-prolonging component are not impaired.

The form of the fertilizer component in the present invention is not particularly limited and may be either liquid or solid (solid). Further, it may contain at least one of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, boron, zinc, molybdate, copper, chlorine and nickel. Further, the liquid fertilizer or the solid (solid) fertilizer may contain other components as long as the functions of the fertilizer component are not impaired.

Further, as the liquid fertilizer, a commercially available liquid fertilizer may be used. Specific examples of commercially available liquid fertilizers include urea composite liquid fertilizer, urea composite liquid fertilizer containing boron / manganese / bitter soil, nitric acid complex liquid fertilizer, lime nitrate liquid fertilizer, organic liquid fertilizer, phosphorus cheap liquid fertilizer, powder liquid fertilizer, and nitrogen-free liquid fertilizer. Examples include liquid trace element compound fertilizer.
The solid fertilizer includes vegetable or animal organic fertilizers such as oil cake, bone meal, fish meal, chicken manure, rice bran, and wood ash, or inorganic fertilizers (chemical fertilizers) made from minerals or petroleum. Etc., known ones can be used without particular limitation.

When the cut flower life-prolonging agent according to the present invention comprises a nano-natural polymer dispersion, the content of the nano-natural polymer in the cut flower life-prolonging agent can be used without particular limitation. It is preferably 0001% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. This is because if the content of the nano-natural polymer is too low, the effect of the nano-natural polymer is reduced. Further, if it is 10% by mass or more, the cut flower life-prolonging agent has a high viscosity and cannot be used.

Examples of the solvent for dissolving or dispersing the nano-natural polymer include water and an organic solvent, and water is preferable. However, since tap water contains chlorine and has a bactericidal action, it is preferable to use chlorine-removed water, well water, spring water, or the like.
The solvent content of the cut flower life-prolonging agent is preferably 90% by mass or more, and preferably 99.9999% by mass or less.

When the cut flower life-prolonging agent according to the present invention contains a nanonatural polymer dispersion liquid and a cut flower life-prolonging component, the lower limit of the content of the cut flower life-prolonging component is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.001% by mass or more. , 0.005% by mass or more is more preferable. This is because if the cut flower life-prolonging component is too small, the life-prolonging effect is reduced. The upper limit of the content of the cut flower life-prolonging component in the cut flower life-prolonging agent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 25% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less. This is because too much cut flower life-prolonging component may cause an offensive odor. The content of the nano-natural polymer can be used without particular limitation, but is preferably 0.0001% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. This is because if the content of the nano-natural polymer is too low, the effect of the nano-natural polymer is reduced. Further, if it is 10% by mass or more, the cut flower life-prolonging agent has a high viscosity and cannot be used.

Examples of the solvent for dissolving or dispersing the cut flower life-prolonging component and the nanonatural polymer include water and an organic solvent, and water is preferable. However, since tap water contains chlorine and has a bactericidal action, it is preferable to use chlorine-removed water, well water, spring water, or the like.
The solvent content of the cut flower life-prolonging agent is preferably 65% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, preferably 99.9989% by mass or less, and further preferably 99.99949% by mass or less.

When the cut flower life-prolonging agent according to the present invention contains a nano-natural polymer dispersion liquid and a fertilizer component, the lower limit of the content rate of the fertilizer component is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, and is 0. More preferably .005% by mass or more. This is because if the fertilizer component is too small, the life-prolonging effect is reduced. The upper limit of the content of the cut flower life-prolonging component in the cut flower life-prolonging agent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 25% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less. This is because too much fertilizer component may cause an offensive odor. The content of the nano-natural polymer can be used without particular limitation, but is preferably 0.0001% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. This is because if the content of the nano-natural polymer is too low, the effect of the nano-natural polymer is reduced. Further, if it is 10% by mass or more, the cut flower life-prolonging agent has a high viscosity and cannot be used.

Examples of the solvent for dissolving or dispersing the fertilizer component and the nano-natural polymer include water and an organic solvent, and water is preferable. However, since tap water contains chlorine and has a bactericidal action, it is preferable to use chlorine-removed water, well water, spring water, or the like.
The content of the solvent of the fertilizer component is preferably 65% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, preferably 99.9989% by mass or less, and further preferably 99.99949% by mass or less.

When the cut flower life-prolonging agent according to the present invention contains a nano-natural polymer dispersion, a cut flower life-prolonging component and a fertilizer component, the lower limit of the content of the cut flower life-prolonging component is not particularly limited, but is 0.001% by mass. The above is preferable, and 0.005% by mass or more is more preferable. This is because if the cut flower life-prolonging component is too small, the life-prolonging effect is reduced. The upper limit of the content of the cut flower life-prolonging component in the cut flower life-prolonging agent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 25% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less. This is because too much cut flower life-prolonging component may cause an offensive odor.
The content of the nano-natural polymer can be used without particular limitation, but is preferably 0.0001% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. This is because if the content of the nano-natural polymer is too low, the effect of the nano-natural polymer is reduced. Further, if it is 10% by mass or more, the cut flower life-prolonging agent has a high viscosity and cannot be used.
The lower limit of the content of the fertilizer component is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.005% by mass or more. This is because if the fertilizer component is too small, the effect of the liquid fertilizer is reduced. The upper limit of the content of the fertilizer component in the liquid fertilizer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 25% by mass or less, and more preferably 20% by mass or less. This is because too much fertilizer component may cause an offensive odor.

Examples of the solvent for dissolving or dispersing the cut flower life-prolonging component, the nanonatural polymer and the liquid fertilizer include water and an organic solvent, and water is preferable. However, since tap water contains chlorine and has a bactericidal action, it is preferable to use chlorine-removed water, well water, spring water, or the like.
The solvent content of the cut flower life-prolonging agent is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, preferably 99.99979% by mass or less, and further preferably 99.9899% by mass or less.

As a method of using the cut flower life-prolonging agent of the present invention, a method of immersing a cut portion (cut end portion) or the whole of a cut flower, a cut leaf (leaf), a branch or the like in the cut flower life-prolonging agent solution of the present invention, or a cut flower of the present invention. A method of spraying a life-prolonging agent solution onto cut flowers, cut leaves (leaves), branches, etc., a method of spraying the cut flower life-prolonging agent solution of the present invention on a non-woven fabric, a fiber, a paper product, a foam body such as urethane or phenol resin, cotton, a water-absorbent polymer. Examples thereof include a method of wrapping or piercing cut flowers, cut leaves (leaves), branches, etc. by absorbing them into an appropriate absorber such as.

The cut flowers, cut leaves (leaves), branches, etc. to which the cut flower life-prolonging agent of the present invention can be applied are not limited to any type, but to give specific examples, the cut flowers include roses, carnations, lilies, eustoma, and daisies. Examples include eustoma, gerbera, kiku, solid duster, cherry, peach, maki, alstroemeria, hydrangea, delphinium, statice, and stock.

The details of the mechanism by which the cut flower life-prolonging agent of the present invention can prolong the life of cut flowers and the like are not clear, but are presumed as follows.
Bacteria that grow in live water are known to cause ductal obstruction, and bacteria in particular are thought to be a major cause of ductal obstruction. Here, the size of a general bacterium is about 1 to 10 μm. Also, when the cut end is exposed to air, air enters the conduit. This air conduit blockage impedes water absorption. Furthermore, in addition to the air that has entered through the cut end, it is thought that air bubbles generated inside the stem, called cavitation, also inhibit water absorption.

On the other hand, when the cut flower life-prolonging agent of the present invention is applied to the cut end of a plant or the like, the nanonetwork structure of the nano-natural polymer in the cut flower life-prolonging agent is formed on the cut end of the plant or the like. That is, the voids formed at the cut end of the plant are narrowed to the voids in nanometer units possessed by the nanonatural polymer.
Then, since most bacteria cannot pass through the voids in nanometer units in both directions, the number of microorganisms that pass in both directions inside and outside the cut end of the plant is reduced, and as a result, microorganisms in live water are reduced. Is presumed to be difficult to increase. In addition, as in the case of bacteria, it is presumed that the amount of air that passes bidirectionally between the inside and outside of the cut end of the plant is significantly reduced, and as a result, conduit blockage and cavitation due to air are less likely to occur. ..

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

<Test Example 1>
Cut flower life-prolonging agents of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 were obtained with the compositions shown in Table 1. In the manufacturing method of the pharmaceutical product, each component was weighed and then mixed well to obtain a cut flower life-prolonging agent having a desired composition.

The carnation was cut into pieces of about 30 cm in length, and the excess lower leaves were removed for testing. 300 ml of each of the aqueous solutions of Examples 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was dispensed into a 300 ml vase, and the above cut flowers were dispensed therein. The cut end was soaked and allowed to stand, and the transition of freshness retention was observed for 20 days. The results after the 10th day are shown in Table 2.

From Table 2, it was found that the freshness-retaining ability was obtained in the order of Example 1 (commercially available life-prolonging agent + CNF)> Example 2 (CNF)> Comparative Example 1 (commercially available life-prolonging agent).

<Test Example 2>
Cut flower life-prolonging agents of Example 3 and Comparative Example 1 were obtained with the compositions shown in Table 3. In the manufacturing method of the pharmaceutical product, each component was weighed and then mixed well to obtain a cut flower life-prolonging agent having a desired composition.

Cut roses to a length of about 50 cm, remove excess lower leaves, and use them for testing. 300 ml of each aqueous solution of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 was dispensed into a 300 ml vase, and the above cut flowers were laid there. The cut end was soaked and allowed to stand, and the transition of freshness retention was observed for 18 days. The appearance of the roses after 18 days is shown in FIG. 4 (Example 3) and FIG. 5 (Comparative Example 1).

From FIG. 4, the rose petals of Example 3 have the tips of the petals facing outward and are firm, whereas the petals of the rose of Comparative Example 1 have contracted the tips of the petals and are beginning to wilt. Can be confirmed.
From this result, it was found that the life-prolonging effect of rose petals can be obtained only by adding the CNF dispersion liquid to a commercially available life-prolonging agent.

<Test Example 3>
Cut flower life-prolonging agents of Examples 1, 2 and 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were obtained with the compositions shown in Table 4. In the manufacturing method of the pharmaceutical product, each component was weighed and then mixed well to obtain a cut flower life-prolonging agent having a desired composition.

Phalaenopsis orchids were cut to a length of about 30 cm, and the excess lower leaves were removed for testing. 300 ml of each aqueous solution of Examples 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was dispensed into a 300 ml vase, and the above-mentioned The cut flowers were laid and the cut ends were soaked and allowed to stand, and the transition of freshness retention was observed for 42 days. The results after the 22nd day are shown in Table 5.

From Table 5, Example 1 (commercially available life-prolonging agent + CNF)> Example 2 (CNF)> Example 4 (CNF + commercially available liquid fertilizer)> Comparative Example 1 (commercially available life-prolonging agent)> Comparative Example 2 (water) It was found that they have the ability to maintain freshness in order.

Claims (5)

A cut flower life-prolonging agent characterized by consisting only of a nano-natural polymer derived from cellulose. A cut flower life-prolonging agent characterized by containing a nano-natural polymer and a fertilizer component. Contains one or more cut flower life-prolonging ingredients selected from nanonatural polymers and sugars, surfactants, sodium hypochlorite, plant hormones, aluminum sulfate, colloidal particle coagulation precipitates, amino acids or inorganic nutrients. A cut flower life-prolonging agent characterized by that. One or more cut flower life-prolonging ingredients and fertilizer ingredients selected from nanonatural polymers , sugars, surfactants, sodium hypochlorite, plant hormones, aluminum sulfate, colloidal particle coagulation precipitates, amino acids or inorganic nutrients A cut flower life-prolonging agent characterized by containing. The cut flower life-prolonging agent according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the nanonatural polymer is cellulose.

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