Exposure of Cut Flowers to Ethylene in the Presence and Absence of Carbon Dioxide

FLOWERS produce ethylene1,2, and ethylene in low concentration has a marked effect on development and senescence of the cut bloom2. With gas chromatography and flame ionization detection3, it has been possible to examine critically the effect of exposure to a concentration of 0.05 p.p.m. ethylene on carnations over a range of temperature. The time interval between cutting and the first appearance of petal wilt can be readily determined. The number of days between cessation of treatment and petal wilt is here termed ‘vase-life’ and has been determined at 16°–21° C.