Another Look at Interpreting Research to Manage the Effects of Ethylene in Ambient Air

Abstract

Ethylene is a plant hormone that regulates many aspects of plant growth and development. The gas also occurs in the atmosphere from both natural and artificial sources. Sufficient concentrations of ethylene in air can cause damage by adverse effects on flower senescence, abscission, fruit ripening, and other processes. Recent discoveries regarding ethylene receptors and signal transduction now provide a firm basis to understand the dynamics of ethylene effects. Receptor proteins act as negative regulators of ethylene signaling so that the concentration of both ethylene and receptor proteins influence the plant response. Studies with carefully controlled levels of ethylene and environmental conditions have shown that plants grown outdoors are less sensitive to ethylene than those grown and exposed under artificial conditions. Additionally, intermittent exposures, common in many circumstances, allow time for ethylene to diffuse away from receptors. During flower senescence and fruit ripening, synthesis of ethylene often accelerates, reducing the effectiveness of environmental ethylene on plant behavior. Workers interested in promoting crop yields and extending the life of flowers, plants, and vegetative produce can be most effective if they evaluate species characteristics, the nature of the environment, and the sources of ethylene for their location. A universal air quality standard for ethylene is not advisable.

Light level does not alter ethylene sensitivity in radish or pea

“…Ethylene is well known to induce epinasty and hyponasty in radish and pea 18 seedlings at levels above about 1 ppm (Morgan, 2011;Polko et al 2011;). We observed 19 some hyponasty in the ethylene-treated peas but the effect was similar at all light levels.…”

Effects of Some Plant Growth Regulators on Quality of Potted Sunflower

“…On the other hand, plants experience stress due to environmental and cultivation conditions such as temperature, poor light, low humidity, or watering during post-production period (Wagstaff et al, 2010). As a results of this stress, ethylene production is triggered, and the visual quality of the plant deteriorates (Morgan, 2011). Plants exposed to ethylene can usually no longer be sold (Olsen et al, 2015).…”