Ethylene Production and Petal Wilting during Senescence of Cut Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) Flowers and Prolonging Their Vase Life by Genetic Transformation

Abstract

Senescence of carnation flowers is characterized by autocatalytic ethylene production from petals and subsequent wilting of the petals. Recent studies on the regulation of ethylene production and wilting in senescing carnation petals revealed that (1) petal senescence is triggered by ethylene evolved from the gynoecium during natural senescence, (2) ethylene production in the gynoecium is induced by a factor(s) other than pollination signals in carnation flowers lacking anthers, (3) there are two subsets of ethylene responses in the petals, one responsible for autocatalytic ethylene production and the other for wilting, (4) expression of genes involved in the execution of petal withering is differently regulated between ethylene-dependent or -independent senescence. Furthermore, it was revealed that the generation of transgenic carnation without detectable ethylene production is useful to prolong the vase life of cut carnation flowers.

Pyridinedicarboxylic Acids Prolong the Vase Life of Cut Flowers of Spray-type ‘Light Pink Barbara’ Carnation by Accelerating Flower Opening in Addition to an Already-known Action of Retarding Senescence

“…During the senescence of carnation flowers, a climacteric increase in ethylene production occurs, and the evolved ethylene induces in-rolling of petals, resulting in wilting of whole flowers (Satoh, 2011). The effect of ethylene on flower senescence can be diminished by treating flowers with inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis or action.…”

Selection of Carnation Line 806-46b with Both Ultra-long Vase Life and Ethylene Resistance

“…5D), then slowly desiccated, faded and turned brown, which are characteristics of ethylene-independent senescence in carnation flowers ( Fig. 5E, F; Iwazaki et al, 2004;Otsu et al, 2007;Satoh, 2011). On the other hand, the flower of line 806-46b did not exhibit visible signs of senescence until 30 days and showed no brownish discoloration in this experiment (Fig.…”

“…5E). These two types of senescence in carnation flowers are morphologically designated as wilting and fading, respectively (Satoh, 2011). In contrast, line 806-46b showed gradual reduction of surface turgor by moisture loss without brownish discoloration as senescence progressed.…”

“…Senescence of 'Excerea' was characterized by petal in-rolling and rapid wilting of whole flower, which are well-known characteristics of ethylene-dependent senescence in carnation flowers ( Fig. 5B, C; Iwazaki et al, 2004;Otsu et al, 2007;Satoh, 2011). In contrast, the petals of 'Miracle Rouge' and 'Miracle Symphony' started browning from their edges at around 20 days (Fig.…”

“…However, as STS is harmful to the environment (Satoh, 2011), concerns about pollution due to waste STS solutions have increased in recent years (Klee and Clark, 2004) and the use of STS has already been prohibited in several countries (Serek et al, 2007). In addition, the use of chemicals incurs costs for the growers, such as those due to purchasing them and additional labor time for the treatment of flowers.…”