image: Carnation variety difference chart of ethylene treatment and natural state of vase days.
Credit: Ornamental Plant Research
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is a flower widely cultivated for its appealing apperance and frangance. However, it faces postharvest challenges that can affect its ornamental quality, primarily due to water stress and microbial growth. Research has highlighted the significant role of ethylene in the flower's lifespan, with variations in sensitivity and production across different varieties. Key genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis, such as ACS and ACO, have been identified, and genetic manipulation to alter ethylene production has shown promise in extending the vase life of carnations. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the postharvest physiological changes across different carnation species, indicating a critical area for future investigation to improve cut flower preservation techniques further.
Ornamental Plant Research published online a paper entitled “Differences in ethylene sensitivity, expression of ethylene biosynthetic genes and vase life among carnation varieties” on 02 February 2024.
In this study, 14 commercially carnation varieties were exposed to ethylene gas at a concentration of 10 μL/L for 4 hours to explore the effect of ethylene on the vase life of various varieties. The results showed that the varieties responded differently to ethylene, with 'Master' exhibiting the most significant reduction in vase life post-treatment. Conversely, 'Snow White' showed no change in vase life, indicating minimal ethylene sensitivity. Furthermore, water content analysis across different senescence stages in selected varieties revealed that ethylene treatment accelerated water loss, particularly noticeable in the complete wilting stage.
Ethylene release measurements provided insights into the varieties' ethylene production patterns, revealing varied responses, with 'Master' displaying a unique peak in ethylene release at 24 hours, contrasting with 'Snow White's' lower ethylene sensitivity. Gene expression analysis focused on DcACS1, DcACO1, DcEBF1/2, and DcERF-1, crucial for ethylene biosynthesis and signaling. Notably, 'Master' showed a dramatic increase in DcACS1 and DcACO1 expression after ethylene treatment, while 'Snow White' had the lowest increase, which correlates with their ethylene sensitivity.
To further understand ethylene's role in senescence, transient silencing and overexpression experiments were conducted targeting DcACS1 and DcACO1 genes. As a result, silencing DcACS1 in 'Master' delayed senescence and maintained flower disc whiteness, whereas overexpressing DcACS1 accelerated senescence. Similar trends were observed with DcACO1, where its silencing delayed senescence, and overexpression promotedit, confirming the pivotal role of these genes in carnation senescence.
In conclusion, this study underscores the intricate relationship between ethylene sensitivity, water content regulation, and genetic factors in determining the postharvest lifespan of carnation flowers. It also highlights the potential for genetic manipulation to extend vase life, providing insights for breeding and selecting long-lived carnation varieties, paving the way for future research on the molecular mechanisms governing ethylene-induced senescence in cut flowers.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/opr-0024-0002
Authors
Min Wang1,2,3,#, Man Wang1,2,3,#, Chenyu Ni1,2,3,#, Shan Feng1,2,3, Yan Wang1,2,3, Linlin Zhong1,3, Yunjiang Cheng1,2,3, Manzhu Bao1,5,6 & Fan Zhang1,2,3,4,5,6,*
# These authors contributed equally: Min Wang, Man Wang, Chenyu Ni
Affiliations
1. National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
2. Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
3. National R&D Center for Citrus Postharvest Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
4. Yunnan Seed Laboratory, Kunming 650200, China
5. The Institute of Flowers Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
6. Key Laboratory of Huazhong Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
About Fan Zhang
Professor, Huazhong Agricultural University. His main research interests include the molecular mechanisms of plant floral organ senescence and post-harvest senescence of important ornamental flowers and fresh cut flowers.
Journal
Ornamental Plant Research
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Differences in ethylene sensitivity, expression of ethylene biosynthetic genes and vase life among carnation varieties
Article Publication Date
2-Feb-2024
COI Statement
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.