The Response of Carnations (Dianthus Caryophyllus) to Ethylene |
| |
| Authors: | R Nichols |
| |
| Institution: | Agricultural Research Council, Ditton Laboratory, Larkfield, Maidstone, Kent |
| |
| Abstract: | Carnation flowers were treated with ethylene and then transferred to ethylene-free air at 65° F. (18·3° C.) and the effect on senescence observed. Short exposures (0.2 p.p.m. for 6 hrs.) gave no visible response; the same concentration for 48 hrs. in the absence of CO2 caused irreversible wilting. The response of flowers to intermediate concentrations is described.Accumulation of carbon dioxide during the ethylene treatment delayed ethylene-induced senescence. Carbon dioxide (2–3%) or ethylene oxide (0·1–0·2%) was sufficient to prevent damage by 0·2 p.p.m. ethylene and also suppressed the surge of endogenous ethylene which accompanies wilting of petals by exogenous ethylene. Respiration was increased 25–40% by toxic doses of ethylene. The surge in endogenous ethylene which occurs at senescence may be suppressed by accumulation of carbon dioxide or depletion of oxygen, the threshold concentration being about 4% for each gas. An increase in the rate of leakage of solutes occurred at senescence and when petal tissue broke down.The results of these investigations are discussed in relation to the problem of storage of flowers. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
