The ongoing climate change imposes abiotic stresses on the agricultural sector, pushing towards the search for multifunctional plant species which are not only capable of coping with stress but also have high nutritional and ornamental values. The PRIN-NATIVASA project for the Italian floristry sector focusses on selecting new native Australian and South African species resistant to environmental challenges and creating opportunities to develop sustainable ornamental commodities. In these regions, native bushy species are considered the main source of indigenous food sustenance for their high nutraceutical value and their adaptability to drought and arid environments. Bulbine frutescens, originally from South Africa, represents a good example of an edible plant rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a powerful medicinal plant due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. This plant exhibits also remarkable resilience, thriving in harsh environments with rapid growth and exceptional drought tolerance due to its succulent leaves. This study investigates the shelf-life response of B. frutescens during post-production, specifically addressing ethylene sensitivity and the impact of chemical treatments on maintaining quality. Plants were subjected to simulated transportation (dark conditions for one week at room temperature), followed by a retail phase (low light intensity for one week). Pre-treatments with melatonin (100 µmol) and 1-MCP (10 ppm) were conducted. Ethylene sensitivity was evaluated in plants exposed for 24h to ethylene (10 ppm) and were compared to control in light conditions. Physiological and biochemical analyses were conducted, measuring ethylene and CO₂ production, chlorophyll content, carotenoids, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and visual quality. The results showed that the 1-MCP and melatonin treatments were effective in maintaining plant quality by keeping chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and the Chla/Chlb ratio high after the transport period (in the dark), in addition to lower values of MDA and gases production. On the other hand, B. frutescens showed minimal sensitivity to exogenous ethylene treatment, as ethylene and CO₂ production, along with other physiological parameters, remained comparable to untreated control plants kept under light.

This study emphasizes the resilience of B. frutescens to post-production stresses and highlights the potential of 1-MCP and melatonin to further enhance its marketability as a novel ornamental species. Future studies will focus on evaluating and studying other native potential candidates with superior post-production performance, supporting the development of sustainable, climate-resilient ornamental commodities.