Role of Ethylene in Senescence of Cut Oxypetalum Florets

Abstract

Floret senescence of Oxypetalum caeruleum was investigated in relation to ethylene production and its sensitivity to ethylene. Ethylene production increased as the florets senesced, and conversely, their senescence was accelerated by exogenous application of ethylene at 2 or 10 μl·liter^-1 for 24 hr, indicating that Oxypetalum florets are sensitive to the gaseous hormone. Treatment with silver thiosulphate complex (STS), an ethylene action inhibitor, extended the vase life of florets. Thus, ethylene is considered to be involved in the senescence of cut Oxypetalum florets.