Preservation of Cut Flowers

Senescence in flowers is characterized by a decline in RNA, ¹ protein, ^{2 - 4} phospholipids, ⁵ and other macro molecules, increased activities of RNase and other hydrolytic enzymes, ^{1 , 4 , 6 , 7} ethylene production, ^{8 - 10} increased microviscosity of membranes, ¹¹ and increased permeability of membranes resulting in ion leakage and water loss. ¹⁰ The process of senescence is genetically programmed and is regulated by plant hormones, ¹³ but can be hastened by stress, e.g., water stress ³ or exposure to ethylene. ¹⁴