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The role of ethylene in the senescence of carnation flowers, a review

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Abstract

The senescence of flower petals is a highly regulated developmental process which requires active gene expression and protein synthesis. The biochemical changes associated with petal senescence in carnation flowers include an increase in hydrolytic enzymes, degradation of macro-molecules, increased respiratory activity and a climacteric-like increase in ethylene production. It is clear that the gaseous phytohormone ethylene plays a critical role in the regulation and coordination of senescence processes. Many reviews on physiology and mode of action of ethylene are available. Molecular cloning led to the isolation of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and action. This review describes the current status of the studies on regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene response in carnation flowers. An overview is given of studies on senescence-related gene expression and possibilities to improve postharvest longevity by genetic engineering.

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Abbreviations

ACC:

1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid

AIB:

α-amino-isobutyric acid

AOA:

amino oxyacetic acid

AVG:

aminoathoxyvinyl glycine

DACP:

diazocyclopentadiene

EFE:

ethylene forming enzyme

MACC:

malonyl 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid

MTA:

5′-methylthio-adenosine

NBD:

2,5 norbornadiene

ppb:

parts per billion

SAM:

S-adenosyl-methionine

STS:

silver thiosulphate

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  1. Department of Developmental Biology, Centre for Plant Breeding and Reproduction Research (CPRO-DLO), P.O.B. 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    A. C. Van Altvorst & A. G. Bovy

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Van Altvorst, A.C., Bovy, A.G. The role of ethylene in the senescence of carnation flowers, a review. Plant Growth Regul 16, 43–53 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00040506

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