Regulation of Ethylene Production During Postproduction Handling of Flower Crops Progress Report –August 1995
Date 9/1/95
Title of Project Regulation of Ethylene Production During Postproduction Handling of Flower Crops
Institution where work is being conducted Purdue University
Amount of Endowment Grant $11,500
Covering Period 1/1/95 to 12/31/95
Anticipated Date of Project Completion/Final Report 12/31/96
Individual(s) Conducting Project:
(List Project Leader First)
Dr. William R. Woodson - Title Professor
Telephone Number 317-494-1337
Regulation of Ethylene Production During Postproduction Handling of Flower Crops
William R. Woodson
Purdue University
- Project Objectives:
- The postproduction quality of manyflowers is limited by the increased
production of the plant hormone ethylene.
This increased ethylene production, in
turn, leads to the premature senescence
(death) of flower petals, the shedding of
floral organs, and the discoloration of
flowers and foliage. Our research is
focused on the molecular mechanisms
involved in the production of ethylene by
flowers. Our objectives am to identify
critical cellular factors that lead to the
production of ethylene by harvested
flowers and to genetically engineer plants
to reduce the synthesis of ethylene.
- Summary of Work Conducted and Results to Date:
- Through our research we have identifiedthe genes that encode the enzymes
necessary for the biosynthesis of
ethylene, and more recently the genes
involved in the perception of ethylene.
This information has allowed us to
investigate the regulation of ethylene
production and ethylene responses in
very precise ways. For example, we
now know that one of the earliest events
after harvest of carnations is the
expression of the gene responsible for
perception of ethylene. This allows the
flower to respond to low levels of
ethylene and results in increased ethylene
synthesis. We have used this information
to develop genetic engineering strategies
to improve the post production quality of
flower crops.
- Future Plans Covered by the Endowment Grant:
- During the next funding year we hopeto study the regulation of the gene
involved in ethylene perception. We will
conduct experiments in an attempt to
determine the cellular factors responsible
for the increased expression of this gene
following flower harvest. In addition,
we will generate several new carnation
genotypes by genetic engineering in an
attempt to inhibit the response to
ethylene. These varieties will include
several of the potted carnations. The
rationale here is that improved floral
longevity in potted carnatious would add
significantly to the value of this crop.
- Anticipated Benefits for FloralIndustry:
- The negative effects of ethylene onharvested floral products are well
documented. In recent years our industry
has embraced several treatments designed
to inhibit the synthesis and/or effects of
ethylene, includhig the extensive use of
silver thiosulfate. Silver thiosulfate has
recently been banned in much of Europe
and will not likely be available in the US
in the near future. Because of this,
alternative strategies are currently needed
for the regulation of ethylene synthesis
and responses in flower crops. Our
research is leading to the development of
these alternative strategies that will likely
lead to long term solutions to postharvest
handling problems resulting from the
synthesis of, or exposure to ethylene.
