ISHS Acta Horticulturae 430: VII International Symposium on Flowerbulbs
SENESCENCE IN FLOWERS OF GEOPHYTES |
| Author: | M. Reid |
| Abstract:
Despite the beauty and commercial importance of geophyte flowers, little is known about the control of their senescence. Their vase life ranges from the one-day programmed senescence of Hemerocallis to the long life of many Alstroemeria cultivars. Important geophytes like Iris have vase lives that restrict their desirability in commercial horticulture. In most cases, the vase life of these flowers ends with collapse of the corolla, a process that does not seem to be associated with the action of ethylene. Inhibitors of the synthesis or action of ethylene have no effect on the life of these flowers, except where they inhibit abscission of petals or florets. Previous research on senescence in geophyte flowers will be reviewed. Recent studies on the physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of senescence in flowers of our chosen model species, Hemerocallis, will also be described. | |
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