Improving ornamental’s vase life through molecular approaches: A review

Abstract

Many cut flowers deteriorate rapidly after harvest, and short vase-life constitutes a major obstacle in the marketing of flowers. The post-harvest life of many flowers is determined by the onset of petal senescence. Petal senescence is an active process involving many biochemical and physiological changes. Ethylene is a primary plant hormone involved in the senescence of many flowers. Inhibition of the synthesis or action of ethylene delays the onset of senescence symptoms and increases the vase life of the flowers. Generation of transgenic plants with suppressed production or action of ethylene is an excellent way to lengthen the longevity of ornamental plants. This review focused on genetic mechanism of ethylene biosynthesis pathway manipulation and their application on some important ornamental flowers.