Ethylene sensitivity and ethylene production in English holly (Ilex aquifolium L.)
1995
Fjeld, T. | Melberg, N.A. | Hogetveit, W.R.
The aim of the experiments was to investigate if ethylene concentrations similar to the low levels which are found during transport and sale, are responsible for loss of quality in English holly. Branchlets of English holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) were harvested by commercial growers on the west coast of Norway and shipped to The Agricultural University at Angstrom. The branchlets were exposed to ethylene of the following concentrations: 0 ppm, 0.01 ppm, 0.1 ppm and 1 ppm, using growth cabinets with a constant air flow. The exposure period was from 12 to 144 h. Ethylene production was examined after 24 and 96 h in interior climate, by enclosing branchlets in gas-tight glass containers for 12 h, after which the ethylene concentration was determined by gas chromatography. In addition, vase life was observed in a simulated interior climate. The results show that English holly is highly sensitive to ethylene, and that concentrations as low as 0.01-0.1 ppm may induce leaf abscission. The impact on abscission of berries was less than on leaves. Ethylene exposure also induced leaf discoloration (browning).
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