ETHYLENE, PRESENT AND FUTURE

In a review paper of this nature, the first question one asks is why is so much attention given to the role of ethylene in flower senescence.
The answer is that ethylene is a pollutant, it is a naturally occurring growth hormone and it can be measured easily and accurately; the significance of what is measured is another question.

There have been a number of review publications on ethylene which have included its biosynthesis, metabolism and effects on plants and plant organs (Pratt and Goeschl, 1969; Abeles, 1973; Lieberman, 1979). The effects of ethylene on ornamentals and cut flowers have also been reviewed (Hasek et al, 1969; Beyer, 1980; Wang and Baker, 1980). In this paper I shall attempt to review progress since the first ISHS Symposium on cut flower physiology held at the Glasshouse Crops Research Institute in 1973. Reference to earlier literature will be made where it seems relevant.

II International Symposium on Post-harvest Physiology of Cut Flowers

R. Nichols

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1981.113.1