Ethylene and Flower Senescence- A Review

Abstract

The price of high quality flowers depends on their colour, attractiveness and longevity. Post-harvest studies have been conducted for increasing the vase life and attractiveness of the flowers. On the basis of these research findings, evidences regarding the cause of flower senescence, its control and the role of ethylene have been established. With respect to the role of ethylene in senescence, flowers are divided into two groups, viz. (i) climacteric, and (ii) non-climacteric. It has been hypothesized that like other hormones, ethylene binds to a receptor molecule so as to form an activated complex which in turn triggers a primary reaction. This reaction thereby initiates a chain of reactions including a wide variety of physiological processes and modification of gene expression. In the present paper all these aspects have been discussed in detail.