Flowering profile and ethylene production of a new carnation subspecies 'Mini-tiara'

Abstract

Ethylene is involved in the senescence of carnation flowers. It is synthesized abundantly after full opening of the flowers and accelerates wilting of petals, which results in withering of the flowers. We investigated the possible involvement of ethylene production in the loss of display value of cut flowers of 'Mini-tiara' carnation, a new subspecies derived from Dianthus caryophyllus L. by interspecific cross with wild-type Dianthus species (wild pinks). Flowers of 'Mini-tiara' carnation have a unique morphology with pointed-shaped petals, some of which in the middle part of the flowers stand straight and build a dome throughout the display time, and lose their display value when the dome collapses by bending all petals outside (full opening of flowers). Ethylene evolution from 'Mini-tiara' carnation was not detected from flowers with upstanding petals, but occurred several days after the collapse of the dome (after full opening of the flowers), the time they already lost their display value. These findings indicated that ethylene production is not engaged in the loss of display value of 'Mini-tiara' carnation.

Keywords

• flower opening and senescence
• hybrid carnation
• loss of display value
• pointed-shaped petals