1-Methylcyclopropene inhibits ethylene effects in cut inflorescences and potted plants of Oncidium and Odontoglossum orchid species

authored by

Barbara Raffeiner, Margrethe Serek, Traud Winkelmann

Abstract

Objectives of the present study were to examine the effects of ethylene and the ethylene perception inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the senescence of flowers of the orchid genera Oncidium and Odontoglossum. Cut inflorescences and entire potted plants were treated continuously with 1 μL L-1 ethylene and compared to untreated controls. In addition, detached flower stalks and potted plants were pre-treated with 200 nL L^-1 1-MCP for 6 h at 20 ° C. The inflorescences and potted plants treated with 1 μL L^-1 ethylene showed accelerated symptoms of senescence, like wilting of the florets and petals. Other remarkable effects of ethylene were the yellowing of the pedicels and bud dropping on cut inflorescences as well as the yellowing of leaves on potted plants. Control, non-ethylene treated, flowers showed these symptoms 3-8 d later. The plants pre-treated with 1-MCP expressed an increase in shelf life from 2-10 d in absence or presence of ethylene. In conclusion, genera Oncidium and Odontoglossum have been proven sensitive to ethylene, and 1-MCP improved their postharvest quality if plants are exposed to exogenous ethylene.

Organisation(s)

Section Reproduction and Development

External Organisation(s)

University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf

Type

Article

Journal

European Journal of Horticultural Science

Volume

74

Pages

10-15

No. of pages

6

ISSN

1611-4434

Publication date

2009

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Horticulture