Analysis of the role of abscisic acid in the induction of ethylene biosynthesis in cut carnation flowers undergoing senescence

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24580050
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Horticulture/Landscape architecture
• Research Institution: Kyoto Prefectural University
• Principal Investigator: SATOH Shigeru 京都府立大学, 生命環境科学研究科(系), 教授 (40108428)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): MORITA Shigeto 京都府立大学, 大学院生命環境科学研究科, 講師 (20205637)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: カーネーション / アブシシン酸 / ピリジンジカルボン酸 / 蕾の開花 / 花の老化 / 観賞期間

Outline of Final Research Achievements

At the onset of senescence of cut carnation flowers, the gynoecium produces a small amount of ethylene, which acts as a starter ethylene for the production of a large amount of ethylene from petals. We examined changes in the content of abscisic acid (ABA) and in the expression of genes for ABA biosynthesis and action in the flower tissues, mainly gynoecium and petals, with three carnation cultivars, which have marked differences in their senescence characteristics. We demonstrated that abscisic acid is the key factor which induces ethylene production in the gynoecium of carnation flowers undergoing senescence. Moreover, we found that pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) has a remarkable activity on carnation flower opening and senescence; that is, PDCA accelerated the opening of flower buds, promoted the gross flower opening, and retarded senescence, resulting in a remarkable extension of vase life of cut carnation flowers.

Free Research Field

園芸学