Abstract
Ethylene induces the flower formation and stimulates the flower-bud development of some bulbous plants exposed to the gas when the apex is in the vegetative state. For iris bulbs cv. Ideal maximum responses have been found after exposure to 5 ppm for 8 h; lower concentrations, shorter exposure periods and, depending on seasonal conditions, low temperatures during gas treatment, gave intermediate responses. The effects are opposite to the ethylene induced flower-bud blasting which occurs when bulbous plants are exposed to the gas after completion of the flower formation.
Dry storage of the bulbs in atmospheres containing 5% CO2 reduces the temperature-enhanced flower formation, suggesting a possible effect of endogenous ethylene.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
De Munk, W. J.: Flower-bud blasting in tulips caused by ethylene. - Neth. J. Plant Pathol.79: 41–53, 1973.
De Munk, W. J.: Research on energy-saving modifications of forcing methods for bulbous plants. - Energy in protected cultivation III. - Acta Hort.148: 105–110, 1984.
De Munk, W. J., Duineveld, Th. L. J.: Van rookbehandeling naar gasbehandeling. - Bloem-bollencultuur93 (3): 53–54, 1982.
De Munk, W. J., Gijzenberg, J.: Flower-bud blasting in tulip plants mediated by the hormonal status of the plant. - Scientia Hort.7: 255–268, 1977.
Durieux, A. J. B., Kamerbeek, G. A., Van Meeteren, U.: The existence of a critical period for the abscission and a non-critical period for blasting of flower-buds ofLilium ‘Enchantment’; influence of light and ethylene. -Scientia Hort.18: 287–297, 1983.
Imanishi, H.: Effects of exposure of bulbs to smoke and ethylene on flowering ofNarcissus tazetta cultivar ‘Grand Soleil d’Or’. - Scientia Hort.21: 173–180, 1983.
Imanishi, H., Fortanier, E. J.: Effects of exposure of bulbs to ethylene and smoke on flowering of Dutch iris. -Bull. Univ. Osaka Pref. Ser. B,34: 1–5, 1982.
Kamerbeek, G. A.: Respiration of the iris bulb in relation to the temperature and the growth of the primordia. - Acta bot. neerl.11: 331–410, 1962.
Kamerbeek, G. A., Verlind, A. L.: Characteristic stimulation by ethylene of respiration in Dutch iris bulbs. -Physiol. Plant.27: 5–8, 1972.
Mae, T., Vonk, C. R.: Effect of light and growth substances on flowering ofIris ×hollandica cv. Wegdwood. - Acta bot. neerl.23: 321–331, 1974.
Molisch, H.: Über das Treiben ruhender Pflanzen mit Rauch. - Sitzungsber. Kaiserl. Akad. Wissensch. Wien, Mathem.-naturw. Klasse, Abt. I,125 (3/4): 14–162, 1916.
Schipper, J. A.: A smoke treatment inducing flower formation in iris bulbs. - Neth. J. agr. Sci.29: 173–177, 1982.
Stuart, N. W., Asen, S., Gould, Ch. J.: Accelerated flowering of bulbous iris after exposure to ethylene. - Hort. Sci.1: 19–20, 1966.
Uyemura, S., Imanishi, H.: Effects of gaseous compounds in smoke on dormancy release inFreesia corms. -Scientia Hort.20: 91–99, 1983.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
De Munk, W.J., Duineveld, T.L.J. The role of ethylene in the flowering response of bulbous plants. Biol Plant 28, 85–90 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885198
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885198