Flower preservative and Anti-fungal system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system for use during transport or storage of the cut flowers in a box or carton and / or during retail display of the cut flowers placed in a bucket, wherein the cut flower preservation device comprises one or more sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles and optionally an additional layer of single faced kraft (SFK) as a mechanical protection device.

Description

[0001] FLOWER PRESERVATIVE AND ANTI-FUNGAL SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system for use during transport or storage of the cut flowers in a box or carton and / or during retail display of the cut flowers placed in a bucket, wherein the cut flower preservation device comprises one or more sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles and optionally an additional layer of single faced kraft (SFK) as a mechanical protection device.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The cut flower industry is a fast-growing, global industry, which in recent years has shown a global trade volume of over US$100 billion. The loss of flowers susceptible to fungal infection, including Botrytis has resulted in millions of lost revenues by flower sellers.

[0006] Present methods for preservation of flowers include dipping of the flower heads in antimicrobial solution such as commercial bleach, followed by drying, or treatment of the water holding the flower stems with a solution comprising various components including bleach, sugar, various antifungal chemicals, and the like (collectively referred to herein as “post-harvest treatment”). The current post-harvest treatments are insufficient to limit fungal growth on flowers and industry yearns for change. Whilst somewhat effective, dipping in post-harvest chemicals is time consuming, labour intensive and if not properly dried after dipping process, flowers packed wet into the cartons stand a higher chance of becoming infected with disease.

[0007] International transit of cut flowers can take anything from 5 to 7 days, or even longer, depending on the destination and although ideally the shipping container is maintained at between around 0 to 4 °C, it does happen that the shipping containers are opened at one or more steps during the transit of the flowers, resulting in an increase in temperature and therefore a deterioration of the quality of the flowers and often greater losses in flowers that cannot be sold due to poor quality.

[0008] Although SO2 generating laminate films are known, such as described in Clemes et al. (US 5,106,596 and US 7,045,182), these have been found to result in significant phytotoxicity when used with cut flowers rather than with grapes for which they were developed due to the extreme sensitivity of cut flowers to SO2 at levels that are too high. Flower preserving devices for use with bunches of flowers during short wet transit in buckets or while on display in a store are described EP 3 139 737, but these are designed to be used only when the flowers are outside of their transit cartons, and are affixed as a strip to the end of an open ended flower sleeve adjacent the cut flower heads or are held above the cut flower heads and are in the form of a cardholder. A flower preservation device described in WO 2006 / 129172 includes the use of an ethylene absorber and sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) comprised within an inner matrix between a SO2 impermeable carrier and cover sheet, where the concentration of SMBS is between 3 to 15 % (w / w), more preferably 5 to 10% (w / w) in the case of roses, and where the cut flowers are contained within a gas impermeable bag, or the carrier and cover sheet are formed into a bag containing the flowers. However, in practice, the products described in both EP 3 139 737 and WO 2006 / 129172 have been found to be sub-optimal for preservation of cut flowers.

[0009] Furthermore, none of these prior art provide for a recyclable solution for preservation of the cut flowers; the use of mixed plastic polymers used in the substrate layers, and the adhesive interior which includes microcrystalline wax are both problematic for recycling.

[0010] There is therefore still a need for a method or device for prevention of deterioration of the quality of cut flowers in a container or box that occurs in shipping, transit or storage, including during the retail stage where cut flowers are placed in a bucket, in particular when there is an increase in temperature during shipping, transit or storage which concomitantly results in increased ability for fungal, including Botrytis sp. fungal growth on the cut flowers and their stems. It would be useful if such a device could be used within a mechanical protector, such as a single faced kraft (SFK) wrapping, and within the box or container within which the cut flowers are maintained in shipping, transit or storage as well as, potentially also during the retail phase while flowers are stored in buckets containing water. It would be further useful if such a solution was made from materials that are recyclable.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system for use during transport and / or storage of cut flowers within a container or box, including a cardboard, plastic or metal container or box, and / or during display in a bucket at the retailer, the cut flower preservation system comprising:

[0013] A. one or more sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles comprised or consisting of:

[0014] (i) a first layer of substrate material selected from any one of the group consisting of: paper including SFK, kraft, or Machine Glazed Bleached Kraft (MGBK) paper; a polyolefin film including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE; or a polyester film including PET;

[0015] (ii) a second layer of substrate material selected from any one of the group consisting of: paper including SFK, kraft, or MGBK paper; a polyolefin film including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE; or a polyester film including PET, wherein the first and second layers of substrate material may be the same or may be different; and wherein the thickness of a first paper layer may range from about 13 GSM (grams per square metre) to about 300 GSM or any subrange contained therein, the thickness of a first polyolefin film layer may range from 9 pm to 150 pm or any subrange contained therein, and the thickness of a first polyester film layer may range from 3 pm to 100 pm or any subrange contained therein; and wherein the thickness of a second paper layer may range from about 13 GSM to about 300 GSM or any subrange contained therein, the thickness of a second polyolefin film layer may range from 9 pm to 150 pm or any subrange contained therein, and the thickness of the second polyester film layer may range from 3 pm to 100 pm or any subrange contained therein; and

[0016] (iii) an inner adhesive layer having a coating weight from about 1 GSM to about 100 GSM or any subrange contained therein, comprising an adhesive composition, including a polyurethane adhesive composition, more preferably a solventless polyurethane adhesive composition at a concentration of between about 30 % to about 90 % weight / weight (w / w) or any subrange contained therein and sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) microgranules having a diameter of between about 1 pm and about 250 pm or any subrange contained therein, at a concentration of between about 10 % to about 70 % (w / w) or any subrange contained therein therebetween; and

[0017] B. optionally further comprising a layer of single faced kraft (SFK) for protection of the flowers from mechanical damage. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cut flower preservation and antifungal system further comprises the layer of single faced kraft (SFK) for protection of the flowers from mechanical damage.

[0018] In particular, the solventless polyurethane adhesive composition may have a concentration of between about 40 % to about 80 % (w / w), or between about 50 % to about 70 % (w / w) and the sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) microgranules having a diameter of between about 10 pm and about 70 pm, or between about 20 pm and about 50 pm, may have a concentration of between about 40 % to about 80 % (w / w), or between about 50 % to about 70 % (w / w).

[0019] The paper may be a paper coated on one or both surfaces with coatings such as, but not limited to any one or more of WVTR (water vapour transmission rate) or OTR (oxygen transmission rate) controlling coatings, or hydrophobic, hydrophilic or primer coatings which are well known in the art, or may be an uncoated paper. Alternatively, the paper may be a paper coated on one or both surfaces with a polyolefin film including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE or a polyester film including PET. Where the paper is coated on one surface, the inner adhesive layer is coated onto the coated surface of the paper.

[0020] The thickness of the first and second layer paper, polyolefin or polyester films is specifically selected for optimal permeability to allow water vapour to travel from the air in the container or box inwardly through the paper, polyolefin or polyester films and reach the SMBS microgranules in the inner adhesive layer, thereby activating the SMBS to release SO2 gas that in turn travels outwardly through the paper, polyolefin or polyester films to reach the cut flowers at a concentration effective to reduce levels of, or inhibit pathogen growth, including Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) in the cut flowers.

[0021] In particular, the thickness of a first and second paper layer may range from about 13 GSM to about 300 GSM or any subrange contained therein, the thickness of a first and second polyolefin film layer may range from about 9 pm to about 150 pm, more preferably between about 10 to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therein, and the thickness of a first and second polyester film layer may range from 3 pm to 100 pm, more preferably between about 10 to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therein.

[0022] It is to be noted that the concentration and SMBS granule diameters, in combination with the selected substrate material thicknesses are specifically selected to generate effective levels of SO2 gas in the container or box at between about 1 ppm to about 200 ppm, lasting from between 5 to 70 days, more typically from between about 20 to about 30 days.

[0023] Where two sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles are used, the thickness of the first and second layer paper, polyolefin or polyester films and / or the coating weight of the inner adhesive layer may differ between the first and second articles.

[0024] The one or more sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles may be in the form of a sheet that is operably wrapped around the upper approximately one-third to one-half portion of a bunch of cut flowers and surrounding the flower heads, or may be in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape which surrounds the bunch of cut flowers, or may be in the form of a bag that is placed over the cut flower heads, or may be in the form of a cover that is slipped over the top opening of a container or box used for transport and / or storage of the cut flowers.

[0025] In one particular embodiment of the invention, there is one sulphur dioxide (SO2)- generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a sheet that is operably wrapped around the upper approximately one-third to one-half portion of a bunch of cut flowers and surrounding the flower heads.

[0026] In an alternative particular embodiment of the invention, there is one sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape which surrounds the bunch of cut flowers. SFK on its own is currently used commercially to wrap around cut flowers as a barrier to mechanical damage. When used in addition to the cut flower preservation system of the invention, a first sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article may be placed onto or affixed to a surface of the SFK orientated towards the cut flowers when the cut flowers are wrapped.

[0027] Alternatively, the SFK may be wrapped directly around the cut flowers in accordance with standard commercial methods, followed by inserting the SFK-wrapped flowers into a sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape which surrounds the SFK- wrapped bunch of cut flowers.

[0028] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the cut flowers wrapped in the first sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article, either with or without SFK affixed to the first sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article, may be inserted into a second sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape such that it surrounds the wrapped bunch of cut flowers. It is to be appreciated that in this embodiment of the invention, once the cut flowers reach the retailer, these are removed from the container or box in which the cut flowers were shipped and the first sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article, either with or without SFK may be removed, but the second sulphur dioxide (SO2)- generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve remains such that the cut flowers are surrounded by the second sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated flower sleeve while on display at the retailer.

[0029] The system may be used either after post-harvest treatment of the cut flowers or without post-harvest treatment.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention having one sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a sheet that is operably wrapped around the upper approximately one-third to one-half portion of a bunch of cut flowers and surrounding the flower heads is used during transport or storage of the cut flowers while they are in the transport I storage container or box, and is removed from the cut flowers and discarded once the flowers reach the retailer and are placed in buckets on display. Regardless, the applicant has found that the residual effects of the SO2 generated by the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal device during transport and / or storage results in a reduction in the levels of B. cinerea on the cut flowers such that there is an increase in the duration of the cut flower life-span during the period of display in the retail store and even thereafter during display of the cut flowers in a vase by the customer after purchase.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cut flower preservation and antifungal system of the invention having one sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape which surrounds the bunch of cut flowers is used during transport or storage of the cut flowers while they are in the transport or storage container or box as well as during display of the cut flowers at the retailer whilst in buckets of water.

[0032] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the cut flowers are summer flowers including roses, Alstroemeria sp. or Helianthus sp. including Helianthus annuus more commonly known as sunflowers. In particular the cut flowers are roses.

[0033] The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal device may in particular inhibit the growth of B. cinerea on the cut flowers.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for manufacturing a sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article for use with the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention comprising the steps of:

[0035] (a) providing a first substrate material layer selected from any one of the group consisting of: paper including SFK, kraft, or Machine Glazed Bleached Kraft (MGBK) paper; a polyolefin film including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE; or a polyester film including PET; (b) applying an adhesive layer having a coating weight from about 1 GSM to about 100 GSM, more preferably between about 10 GSM to about 30 GSM, or any subrange contained therein, comprising or consisting of an adhesive composition, including a polyurethane adhesive composition, more preferably a solventless polyurethane adhesive composition at a concentration of between about 30 % to about 90 % (w / w), or any subrange contained therein and sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) microgranules having a diameter of between about 1 pm and about 250 pm, or any subrange contained therein, at a concentration of between about 10 % to about 70 % (w / w), or any subrange contained therein onto the first substrate material layer using a laminating or coating machine; and

[0036] (c) layering a second substrate material layer selected from any one of the group consisting of: paper including SFK, kraft, or Machine Glazed Bleached Kraft (MGBK) paper; a polyolefin film including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE; or a polyester film including PET with the use of a laminating machine onto the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer is sandwiched in between the first and second substrate material layers.

[0037] In particular, the thickness of a first and second paper layer may range from about 13 GSM to about 300 GSM or any subrange contained therein, the thickness of a first and second polyolefin film layer may range from about 9 pm to about 150 pm, more preferably between about 10 to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therein, and the thickness of a first and second polyester film layer may range from 3 pm to 100 pm, more preferably between about 10 to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therein.

[0038] In particular, the solventless polyurethane adhesive composition may have a concentration of between about 40 % to about 80 % (w / w), or between about 50 % to about 70 % (w / w) and the sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) microgranules having a diameter of between about 10 pm and about 70 pm, or between about 20 pm and about 50 pm, may have a concentration of between about 40 % to about 80 % (w / w), or between about 50 % to about 70 % (w / w). The first and second substrate layers may have the same or different thicknesses.

[0039] The first and second layers may be of the same or a different substrate material.

[0040] One or both of the first and second layers of substrate material may be microperforated such as by hot-needle perforation. For example, the perforations may be 0,05 to 2,8 mm in diameter with a 10 mm spacing therebetween, and in lines with a 5 mm spacing between the lines, each perforation in a line offset by 5 mm compared with the line above and below.

[0041] The sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article may be cut to desired dimensions prior to use with the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention.

[0042] The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention may further be cut to desired dimensions prior to use with cut flowers in a container or box during transport and / or storage.

[0043] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preserving cut flowers in a container or box during transport and / or storage, and / or during display in a bucket at the retailer including inhibiting the growth of fungal pathogens, in particular B. cinerea with the use of the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention.

[0044] In particular, Figure 1 illustrates a one possible embodiment of the method comprising or consisting of the steps of:

[0045] (A) providing a sheet of the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal device of the invention comprising a sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article and optionally comprising a layer of single faced kraft (SFK) for protection of the flowers from mechanical damage;

[0046] (B) placing a plurality of cut flowers to be transported and / or stored onto the sheet such that when SFK is present, the sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article is orientated towards the cut flowers when the cut flowers are wrapped; and (C) wrapping the sheet of the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal device of the invention around the cut flowers.

[0047] The method may further include steps of securing the edges of the wrapped sheet to each other and / or placing the wrapped cut flowers into the container or box for transport and / or storage.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the wrapped cut flowers of step (C) above are inserted into a second sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape which surrounds the wrapped cut flowers.

[0049] In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the method comprises or consists of the steps of:

[0050] I. providing a plurality of cut flowers;

[0051] II. providing a sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article of the invention in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape;

[0052] III. inserting the plurality of cut flowers into the flower sleeve, or wrapping the flower sleeve around the cut flowers such that generally frustoconical flower sleeve surrounds the cut flowers.

[0053] SFK may further be wrapped either directly around the cut flowers, or the cut flowers surrounded by the flower sleeve may be placed onto the SFK and the SKF may be wrapped around the flower sleeve-contained flowers for protection of the flowers from mechanical damage.

[0054] The sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article size may be selected to ensure that an effective preserving and anti-fungal SO2 gas concentration, without bleaching of the cut flowers of between about 1 ppm to about 200 ppm is generated when the article is wrapped around the cut flowers or the cut flowers are contained in the flower sleeve for the duration of transport and / or storage, which is typically from between 5 to 70 days, more typically from between about 20 to about 30 days. For example, for up to 10 cut flowers having flower head sizes of about 250 - 350 mm circumference including sweetheart roses, a sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article size of between about 356 x 90 mm or about 356 x 180 mm is used.

[0055] Alternatively, for up to 10 cut flowers having flower head sizes of about 400 - 600mm including intermediate and tea hybrid roses, a sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article size of about 520 x 90 mm or about 520 x 180mm is used.

[0056] It is to be appreciated that flower head sizes larger than 600mm including premium roses may necessitate a larger size sheet including from between about 700 or 800mm x 180mm, although if bunching stems by less than 10 stems per bunch then an about 520 x 180mm sheet should suffice.

[0057] It is further to be appreciated that the one or more sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article(s), rather than being wrapped around a plurality of cut flowers, may be in the form of a bag that is placed over the cut flower heads or may be in the form of a cover that is slipped over the top opening of a container or box used for transport and / or storage of the cut flowers.

[0058] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to the invention, substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the illustrative examples.

[0059] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The invention shall be described with reference to the following illustrative drawings, which shall not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention:

[0061] Figure 1 shows a representative illustration of one method for wrapping cut flowers with the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention such that the SFK is on the outside of the SO2-generating device-wrapped flowers;

[0062] Figure 2 shows a graph of the percentage of decay inhibition after 7 days of vase life of cut roses comparing one embodiment of the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention (“FW”), the same embodiment of the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention after post-harvest treatment (“FW_PH”) or after post-harvest treatment alone (“PH”) compared relative to the level of decay inhibition in negative control cut roses;

[0063] Figure 3 shows the percentage Botrytis decay development during vase-life on Red One roses treated with various SO2 generating products;

[0064] Figure 4 shows SO2 damage observed on the Red One roses flower heads after treatment with various SO2 generating products;

[0065] Figure 5 shows average postharvest decay on standard cut roses after a 7- day vase-life simulation. Percentages reflected in bold on the graph reflect the decay inhibition values relative to the control

[0066] Figure 6 shows product SO2 emission curves over time for the Florasys, BLR7 and FEBS Sleeve test articles; and

[0067] Figure 7 shows product SO2 emission curves over time for the llvasys, Vivol and Vivo 2 test articles.

[0068] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The invention relates to a cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system for use during transport or storage of the cut flowers in a box or carton and / or during retail display of the cut flowers placed in a bucket, wherein the cut flower preservation device comprises one or more sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles comprising an adhesive layer sandwiched between two substrate layers of paper, polyolefin film, including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE, or polyester film, including PET, wherein the adhesive layer comprises between about 10 to about 70 % (w / w) of SMBS microgranules having a diameter of between about 1 and 250 pm, and optionally an additional layer of single faced kraft (SFK) as a mechanical protection device. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention and to a method of preserving and inhibiting the growth of fungal pathogens including B. cinerea with the system of the invention.

[0070] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention, is illustrative of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It will be understood that changes can be made to the embodiment / s depicted and described, while still attaining beneficial results of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be understood that some benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the present invention.

[0071] EXAMPLE 1

[0072] Aim, Materials and Methods

[0073] Efficacy trials were performed to confirm the efficacy of the sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating laminated article (hereafter referred to as the “Florasys Wrap”) used with the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal device of the invention to prevent the growth of the fungal pathogen, B. cinerea on cut roses after simulated transport or storage over time.

[0074] Efficacy trials were done on a number of rose varieties from several growers in Kenya and South Africa during 2021 and 2022. The varieties used in the trials were identified as most problematic for B. cinerea infection by the growers.

[0075] The Florasys Wrap of the efficacy trial comprised of two polyolefin films of between about 10 pm and about 40 pm thickness, laminated together with an inner adhesive layer comprising a solventless polyurethane adhesive composition at a concentration of between about 30 % to about 50 % (w / w) and sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) granules with a diameter of between about 20 to about 50 pm at a concentration of between about 50 to about 70% (w / w) SMBS at a coating weight of between about 10 GSM to about 30 GSM.

[0076] For each trial, freshly cut roses were obtained and packed at the growers’ packhouses in accordance with the packaging method set out below.

[0077] In each trial, cut roses were packed, 10 stems in a bunch, into a typical cardboard (2-5 ply) commercial rose transport carton which is on average 1000 mm (L), 300mm (W), 200 mm (H). Every box has two ventilation holes on each short end with no ventilation holes on the sides of the box.

[0078] 1 ) Negative control

[0079] Cut roses without any type of post-harvest treatment and without the Florasys Wrap, but wrapped in SFK. All results provided in Figure 2 and Table 1 are calculated as a relative value compared with the level of infection / decay seen with these negative control roses.

[0080] Cut roses subjected to post-harvest treatment by submerging the cut roses for about 2 min in a commercially available post-harvest treatment solution. Thereafter, the bunches of cut roses were air dried with their cut stems placed in a hydration solution for up to 4 hours at a temperature of between about 4-6 °C to pre-cool the cut roses, before packing without the Florasys Wrap, but wrapped in SFK.

[0081] Cut roses without any type of post-harvest treatment were wrapped by laying the cut roses onto a sheet of the Florasys Wrap including an outer layer of SFK and wrapping the Florasys Wrap and SFK around the cut flowers, followed by securing the wrapped overlapping edges of the Florasys Wrap and SFK respectively to each other before packing. Below is a description of the wrap sizes used relative to the flower head sizes: • Sweetheart roses (250 - 350mm) - Florasys Wrap 356 x 90mm or 356 x 180mm

[0082] • Intermediate roses (400 - 500mm) - Florasys Wrap 520 x 90mm or 520 x 180mm

[0083] • Tea Hybrid roses (500 - 600mm) - Florasys Wrap 520 x 180mm

[0084] Post-harvest treatment and

[0085] Cut roses subjected to post-harvest treatment as for Group 2, followed by laying the cut roses onto a sheet of the Florasys Wrap including an outer layer of SFK and wrapping the Florasys Wrap and SFK around the cut flowers, followed by securing the wrapped overlapping edges of the Florasys Wrap and SFK respectively to each other before packing. Below is a description of the wrap sizes used relative to the flower head sizes:

[0086] • Sweetheart roses (250 - 350mm) - Florasys Wrap 356 x 90mm or 356 x 180mm

[0087] • Intermediate roses (400 - 500mm) - Florasys Wrap 520 x 90mm or 520 x 180mm

[0088] • Tea Hybrid roses (500 - 600mm) - Florasys Wrap 520 x 180mm

[0089] The cut flower bunches were then dry-packed into the flower cartons for transport and storage in accordance with conventional commercial flower transport methods. The temperature during simulated transport and storage was maintained at between about 2 to 5°C (about 85-90% RH). The transport and storage duration was between 3 - 5 days. Following the simulated transport step, at the testing laboratory any SFK and Florasys Wraps around the cut roses were removed. The cut roses were then hydrated for about 24 hours at about 22 °C by trimming the base of each rose stem by about 2 cm as per industry guidelines for cut flowers (https: / / www.chrvsal.com / tips / why-should-you-cut-stems) and submerging the trimmed base of each stem in about 2 L tap water containing a solution of Chrysal Clear Professional T-bag (https: / / www.chrysal.com / products / chrysal-professional- 2-t-bags) in a 10 L bucket. After the hydration step, the base of each flower stem was again trimmed by about 2 cm. The leaves on each stem below the water line were removed (as per industry guidelines) before the stems were placed into vases containing about 1 L water and 1 sachet FloraLife® Flower Food with 10 rose stems per vase. The vases were stored for 7 days at temperature of about 22 °C and about 70-90% RH.

[0090] Evaluation of the roses in the vases took place at day 7 by visual detection of the growth of B. cinerea.

[0091] Results and Discussion

[0092] Results indicate that Florasys wrap effectively inhibited B. cinerea growth either alone, or in combination with a postharvest treatment.

[0093] Results are shown in Figure 2. All results are provided relative to the level of infection / decay seen with the negative control roses.

[0094] Group 2) Post-harvest treatment only

[0095] Group 3) Florasys Wrap only

[0096] Group 4) Post-harvest treatment and Florasys Wrap

[0097] The results show inhibition of B. cinerea growth (as visually determined by sign of fungal induced decay) of 50% or higher where the Florasys Wrap was used either alone or in combination with a post-harvest chemical treatment, compared with negative control roses.

[0098] EXAMPLE 2

[0099] In a comparative example, cut Red One roses in bunches of 10 roses were wrapped with (i) two different Florasys Wrap prototypes (“FST 23” and “FSL 8”), or (ii) with a commercial SO2 generating sheet (“BLR 7”) similar to that described in Clemes et al., (US 5,106,596 and US 7,045,182) according to the methodology of Example 1 above.

[0100] Results and Discussion Table 1: Average inhibition of decay by different Florasys Wrap prototypes tested on Red One rose variety

[0101] Prototype Rate of release Average Decay inhibition (%)

[0102] BLR 7 Fast release 74.60

[0103] FSL 8 Slow Release 75.45

[0104] FST 23 Slow Release 68.22

[0105] Whilst the commercial SO2 generating sheet provided good inhibition of decay, this product exhibited severe and commercially unacceptable levels of phytotoxicity on the flower petals and / or leaves. Furthermore, this product is not recyclable. On the other hand, both Florasys Wrap prototypes (“FST 23” and “FSL 8”) products provided acceptable levels of decay inhibition without phytotoxicity on the flower petals and / or leaves. These products are recyclable.

[0106] EXAMPLE 3

[0107] In a further comparative example, cut roses in bunches of 10 roses were wrapped with SFK according to the methodology of Example 1 above and then placed within a Florasys Sleeve (i.e. a sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article according to the invention in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape which surrounds the bunch of cut flowers that are contained within the SFK wrap) prototype (“FSL 13”). Results were compared to a control bunch wrapped with SFK only and inserted into a commercially available, clear plastic flower sleeve having no SO2-generating capacity.

[0108] Results and Discussion

[0109] Table 2. Average inhibition of decay by a Florasys Sleeve prototype tested on roses

[0110] Prototype Rate of release Average Decay inhibition (%)

[0111] Control n / a 0%

[0112] FSL 13 Slow Release 62.2 Whilst the control, as expected, showed no decay inhibition, the Florasys Sleeve prototype provided a commercially acceptable level of decay inhibition without phytotoxicity on the flower petals and / or leaves. This product is recyclable.

[0113] EXAMPLE 4: Efficacy of Florasys Wrap in comparison to other SO2-generating systems

[0114] Introduction

[0115] Different types of SO2 generating sheets have been developed by the applicant for preservation and prevention of fungal infections including from Botrytis cinerea in specific crop types and for use under specific circumstances. The ‘Florasys Wrap’ has been developed specifically for use on cut roses and differs from other SO2 generating product offerings in application (designed to be an insert which is placed inside the commercial SFK), raw material structure and efficacy.

[0116] The applicant undertook the following trials in order to:

[0117] • compare the efficacy of the Florasys Wrap in comparison to other known SO2 product offerings to control decay on cut roses; and

[0118] • illustrate why Florasys Wrap is a unique application on flowers that cannot be achieved with the currently known SO2 products on the market.

[0119] Materials and Methods

[0120] The Florasys Wrap comprised of two polyolefin films of between about 10 pm and about 40 pm thickness, laminated together with an inner adhesive layer comprising a solventless polyurethane adhesive composition at a concentration of between about 30 % to about 50 % (w / w) and sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) granules with a diameter of between about 20 to about 50 pm at a concentration of between about 50 to about 70% (w / w) SMBS at a coating weight of between about 10 GSM to about 30 GSM. Red One rose variety roses were cut and processed by wrapping in commercial SFK on the rose farm. There was no post-harvest anti-fungal treatment of the roses. Processed roses were trucked overnight from Johannesburg to Cape Town and then provided to the applicant’s laboratory in Cape Town for trial packing, storage and vase-life testing.

[0121] Upon arrival at the applicant’s laboratory, rose bunches were re-processed by removing the commercial SFK wrapping, and re-applying the SFK together with each of the trial products being tested, i.e.:

[0122] • Florasys Wrap;

[0123] • Vivo 1 (7-layer sheet as described in Spanish utility model ES1256359U);

[0124] • Vivo 2 (5-layer sheet as described in Spanish utility model ES1295049U);

[0125] • BLR 7 (3-layer sheet as described in Spanish utility model ES1256359U);

[0126] • FEBS sleeve (as described in European patent EP 3 139 737); and

[0127] • Uvasys (Commercial standard as described in US 5,106,596 and US 7,045,182);

[0128] All products except for the FEBS sleeve were applied as an insert placed inside the commercial SFK. Due to its design and intended application, the FEBS sleeve could not be used in this way and was applied as per its original intention (i.e. as an insert strip applied to the top half of a flower sleeve).

[0129] The control flowers remained untouched. After application of the various SO2 treatment systems, the bunches were packed into export boxes and placed at 5°C for four days. This was intended to simulate airfreight storage and transport conditions from the packhouse to the customer.

[0130] Relevant dates:

[0131] • Rose pick date: 5 / 6 August 2023

[0132] • Trial pack date: 7 August 2023

[0133] • Hydration phase: 11 - 13 August 2023

[0134] • Vase life (Day 0): 14 August 2023

[0135] • Vase life (Day 4): 18 August 2023 Vase life (Day 7): 21 August 2023

[0136] Vase life evaluation:

[0137] Following the cold storage and transport simulation, rose bunches were removed from the cold room and processed for simulation of the hydration phase that happens after storage.

[0138] The hydration phase includes cutting 2 cm from the bottom of each flower stem and bunches of cut roses were then placed in a bucket containing about 2 L of water and a T-bag (Chrysal) containing a hydrating nutrient solution. Rose bunches were maintained in the hydration solution for two days before being transferred to the vase.

[0139] The vase-life phase includes cutting a further 2 cm from the bottom of each flower stem. Leaves on the stems falling below the water line in the vase were removed (as per industry guidelines) before placing the stems into the vases. One flower bunch (10 rose stems) was placed into each vase and each treatment had three replicates (flower vases). Each of the vases contained 1 L water and 1 sachet Flora life flower food. The flower vases were placed in a general lab at room temperature with a humidifier.

[0140] Evaluation of the roses took place on Days 0, 4 and 7 for the development of Botrytis cinerea and signs of SO2 damage during vase-life. Each of the stems were carefully inspected on each of the evaluation dates then placed back into the vases. Stems that showed signs of SO2 damage and signs of Botrytis development were recorded.

[0141] Results and Discussion

[0142] The trial results showed that the Florasys Wrap product outperformed all other SO2 generating products tested throughout the vase-life period. On day 0, Florasys Wrap was 100% effective in controlling decay relative to the control. Vivo 1 , and llvasys were 50% effective in controlling decay relative to the control during this time. All other products were not effective in controlling decay during storage and transport.

[0143] The amount of decay progressed during the vase-life phase. On day 7, as seen in Figure 3 and Table 3, Florasys Wrap was the only treatment to remain effective in reducing the decay on the roses. After seven days on the vase, Florasys Wrap inhibited the progression of decay relative to the control by 75%.

[0144] Table 3. Percentage decay inhibition recorded on Red One roses over a 7-day vaselife period after storage and transport with various SO2 generating products.

[0145] Percentage (%) decay inhibition relative to control

[0146] *Not effective indicates that decay levels were higher than that recorded on the controls

[0147] Another important parameter that was assessed was the presentation of any phytotoxicity to the flower heads in the form of SO2 damage. Figure 4 shows the levels of SO2 damage that were recorded on the flowers for each of the products tested. All products but the Florasys Wrap showed SO2 damage on the rose petals.

[0148] Conclusion

[0149] The Florasys Wrap outperformed all other SO2 generating products in this trial, both with respect to decay control as well as SO2 damage. Flowers are a sensitive crop, and the sales appeal lies in their natural beauty. The use of SO2 on flowers provides an alternative application for fungal reduction that does not involve dipping or spraying a solution over the flowers - a process that has its own drawbacks for the floral industry.

[0150] In terms of applying an SO2 generating sheet to cut roses, challenges that needed to be addressed to provide a commercially feasible solution included product application, product material type and product efficacy.

[0151] The application had to be a quick and easy process that did not negatively impact the current packing regime. The material used for production of the SO2 generating sheet must be recyclable (since the industry is moving towards environmentally friendly solutions). Importantly, the SO2 generating sheet also still needed to be able to deliver an effective amount of SO2 gas that did not bum the flowers, but still resulted in decay control.

[0152] This trial proved that the specific formulation of the Florasys Wrap was able to perform according to the requirements set out above, whereas none of the other known and tested SO2-generating products were able to achieve the same results, even when applied in the same way.

[0153] The applicant has surprisingly determined that the key differentiator appears to be that due to the lower SO2 emission profile of Florasys Wrap, compared with the other SO2-generating products tested, Florasys Wrap was able to control decay better than the other trial products. Similar results to those identified in this trial have been demonstrated with other flower varieties after 7 days, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0154] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the comparative differences in SO2 emission profiles between the Florasys Wrap; Vivo 1 ; Vivo 2; BLR 7; FEBS sleeve; and llvasys sheets in a flower container over time, clearly illustrating the far lower SO2 emission profile of the Florasys Wrap compared with the other test articles.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system for use during transport and / or storage of cut flowers within a container or box, including a cardboard, plastic or metal container or box, and / or during display in a bucket at the retailer, the cut flower preservation system comprising one or more sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles comprised or consisting of:(i) a first layer of substrate material selected from any one of the group consisting of: paper including SFK, kraft, or Machine Glazed Bleached Kraft (MGBK) paper; a polyolefin film including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE; or a polyester film including PET;(ii) a second layer of substrate material selected from any one of the group consisting of: paper including SFK, kraft, or MGBK paper; a polyolefin film including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE; or a polyester film including PET, wherein the first and second layers of substrate material are the same or are different; and wherein the thickness of a first paper layer ranges from about 13 GSM (grams per square metre) to about 300 GSM or any subrange contained therebetween, the thickness of a first polyolefin film layer ranges from about 9 pm to about 150 pm, or between about 10 pm to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therebetween, and the thickness of a first polyester film layer ranges from about 3 pm to about 100 pm or between about 10 pm to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therebetween; and wherein the thickness of a second paper layer ranges from about 13 GSM to about 300 GSM or any subrange contained therebetween, the thickness of a second polyolefin film layer ranges from 9 pm to about 150 pm, or between about 10 pm to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therebetween, andthe thickness of a first polyester film layer ranges from about 3 pm to about 100 pm or between about 10 pm to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therebetween; and(iii) an inner adhesive layer having a coating weight from about 1 GSM to about 100 GSM or any subrange contained therein, comprising an adhesive composition, including a polyurethane adhesive composition, further including a solventless polyurethane adhesive composition, at a concentration of between about 30 % to about 90 % weight / weight (w / w) of the adhesive layer or any subrange contained therebetween and sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) microgranules having a diameter of between about 1 pm and about 250 pm or any subrange contained therebetween, at a concentration of between about 10 % to about 70 % (w / w) or any subrange contained therein therebetween.

2. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to claim 1 , further comprising a layer of single faced kraft (SFK) for protection of the flowers from mechanical damage.

3. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the solventless polyurethane adhesive composition has a concentration of between about 40 % to about 80 % (w / w), or between about 50 % to about 70 % (w / w), and the sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) microgranules having a diameter of between about 10 pm and about 70 pm, or between about 20 pm and about 50 pm, have a concentration of between about 40 % to about 80 % (w / w), or between about 50 % to about 70 % (w / w) of the adhesive composition.

4. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the paper is a paper coated on one or both surfaces with a coating selected from any one or more of a WVTR (water vapour transmission rate) or an OTR (oxygen transmission rate) controlling coating,or a hydrophobic, hydrophilic or primer coating, or alternatively wherein the paper is an uncoated paper.

5. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the paper is a paper coated on one or both surfaces with a polyolefin film including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE or a polyester film including PET.

6. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to either claim 4 or claim 5, wherein where the paper is coated on one surface, the inner adhesive layer is coated onto the coated surface of the paper.

7. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein where two sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles are used, the thickness of the first and second layer paper, polyolefin or polyester films and / or the coating weight of the inner adhesive layer differs between the first and second articles.

8. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles are in the form of any one of: a. a sheet for operably wrapping around the upper approximately one- third to one-half portion of a bunch of cut flowers and surrounding the flower heads, or b. a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape for operably surrounding a bunch of cut flowers, or c. a bag for operably placing over one or more cut flower heads, or d. a cover for operably slipping over the top opening of a transport and / or storage container or box within which cut flowers have been placed.

9. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to claim 8, wherein a first sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a sheet is placed onto or affixed to a surface of SFK that isoperably orientated towards the cut flowers when the cut flowers are wrapped.

10. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to claim 8 for use with cut flowers wrapped in SFK, wherein the SFK-wrapped flowers are operably inserted into a first sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve or in the form of a bag.11 . The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to claim 8 for use with cut flowers wrapped in a first sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a sheet or in the form of a flower sleeve, wherein the wrapped flowers are operably inserted into a second sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve or in the form of a bag.

12. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to claim 9 or claim 10 for use with SFK-wrapped flowers, wherein the SFK-wrapped flowers are operably inserted into a second sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve or in the form of a bag.

13. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cut flowers are summer flowers including roses, Alstroemeria sp. or Helianthus sp. including Helianthus annuus more commonly known as sunflowers.

14. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cut flowers are roses.

15. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the fungus is B. cinerea.

16. The cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein one or both of the first and second layers of substrate material have micro-perforations of between about 0,05 to 2,8 mm indiameter with about a 10 mm spacing therebetween, that are in lines with about a 5 mm spacing between the lines, each perforation in a line offset by about 5 mm compared with the line above and below.

17. A method for manufacturing a sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article for use with the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 16 comprising:I. providing a first substrate material layer selected from any one of the group consisting of: paper including SFK, kraft, or Machine Glazed Bleached Kraft (MGBK) paper; a polyolefin film selected from BOPP, LDPE or HDPE; or a polyester film comprising PET;II. applying an adhesive layer having a coating weight from about 1 GSM to about 100 GSM, or between about 10 GSM to about 30 GSM, or any subrange contained therebetween, wherein the adhesive layer comprises or consists of an adhesive composition, including a polyurethane adhesive composition, further including a solventless polyurethane adhesive composition at a concentration of between about 30 % to about 90 % (w / w) or between about 40 % to about 80 % (w / w), or between about 50 % to about 70 % (w / w) by weight of the adhesive composition, or any subrange contained therebetween and sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) microgranules having a diameter of between about 1 pm and about 250 pm, or between about 10 pm and about 70 pm, or between about 20 pm and about 50 pm or any subrange contained therebetween, may have a concentration of between about 10 % to about 70 % (w / w), or between about 40 % to about 80 % (w / w), or between about 50 % to about 70 % (w / w) or any subrange contained therebetween, onto the first substrate material layer using a laminating or coating machine; andIII. layering a second substrate material layer selected from any one of the group consisting of: paper including SFK, kraft, or Machine Glazed Bleached Kraft (MGBK) paper; a polyolefin film including BOPP, LDPE or HDPE; or a polyester film including PET with the use of a laminatingmachine onto the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer is sandwiched in between the first and second substrate material layers, wherein the first and second layers of substrate material are of the same material and thickness or are different; and wherein the thickness of a first paper layer ranges from about 13 GSM (grams per square metre) to about 300 GSM or any subrange contained therebetween, the thickness of a first polyolefin film layer ranges from about 9 pm to about 150 pm, or between about 10 pm to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therebetween, and the thickness of a first polyester film layer ranges from about 3 pm to about 100 pm or between about 10 pm to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therebetween; and wherein the thickness of a second paper layer ranges from about 13 GSM to about 300 GSM or any subrange contained therebetween, the thickness of a second polyolefin film layer ranges from about 9 pm to about 150 pm, or between about 10 pm to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therebetween, and the thickness of a first polyester film layer ranges from about 3 pm to about 100 pm or between about 10 pm to about 50 pm or any subrange contained therebetween.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein one or both of the first and second layers of substrate material are micro-perforated including by hot-needle perforation such that the perforations are about 0,05 to 2,8 mm in diameter with about a 10 mm spacing therebetween, and are in lines with about a 5 mm spacing between the lines, each perforation in a line offset by about 5 mm compared with the line above and below.

19. The method according to either claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising a step of cutting the sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article to desired dimensions for use with the cut flower preservation and antifungal system of any one of claims 1 to 16.

20. A method of preserving cut flowers and inhibiting the growth of fungal pathogens thereon with the use of the cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cut flowers are contained in a container or box during transport and / or storage, and / or in a bucket during display at the retailer.21 . The method according to claim 20, wherein the fungal pathogen is B. cinerea.

22. The method according to either claim 20 or 21 , wherein the cut flowers are summer flowers including roses, Alstroemeria sp. or Helianthus sp. including Helianthus annuus more commonly known as sunflowers.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the method comprises the steps of:(A) providing a sheet of a first one or more sulphur dioxide (SO2)-generating multilayer laminated articles according to any one of claims 1 to 16;(B) placing a plurality of cut flowers to be transported and / or stored onto the sheet;(C) wrapping the sheet around the cut flowers; and(D) optionally securing the edges of the wrapped sheet to each other and / or placing the wrapped cut flowers into the container or box for transport and / or storage.

24. The method according to claims 23, wherein the method further comprises the steps of inserting the wrapped cut flowers of step (C) into a second sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape which surrounds the wrapped cut flowers.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the method comprises the steps of:I. providing a plurality of cut flowers;II. providing a sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article according to any one of claims 1 to 16 in the form of a flower sleeve having a generally frustoconical shape;III. inserting the plurality of cut flowers into the flower sleeve, or wrapping the flower sleeve around the cut flowers such that generally frustoconical flower sleeve surrounds the cut flowers.

26. The method according to claims 25, wherein the method further comprises wrapping SFK either directly around the cut flowers, or wherein the cut flowers surrounded by the flower sleeve are placed onto the SFK and the SKF is wrapped around the flower sleeve-contained flowers for protection of the flowers from mechanical damage.

27. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein for up to 10 cut flowers having flower head sizes of about 250 - 350 mm circumference including sweetheart roses, the sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article sheet size is between about 356 x 90 mm or about 356 x 180 mm.

28. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein for up to 10 cut flowers having flower head sizes of about 400 - 600mm including intermediate and tea hybrid roses, the sulphur dioxide (SO2) generating multilayer laminated article sheet size is between about 520 x 90 mm or about 520 x 180mm.

29. A cut flower preservation and anti-fungal system according to claim 1 , substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the illustrative examples.

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