Ethylene Production During Senescence of Flowers

Abstract

A method of determining ethylene production by detached flowers is described. A surge of ethylene has been shown to accompany the wilting of carnation flowers at the end of senescence. This surge is independent of fungal infection and it is concluded that in the infected flower the major source of ethylene production is the host tissues. A similar surge of ethylene production has been observed when the inflorescence wilts on the plant between 20 and 40 days from flower opening. At temperatures above 7·2° C. (45° F.) the ethylene surge was accompanied by collapse of the petals and rapid loss of water. Cut flowers kept continuously below 7·2° C. slowly declined in weight, the petals became flaccid and ethylene production was negligible. Infection of the flowers with fungus did not materially alter the effect of temperature on the ethylene production.