Effect of ethylene on flower abscission: a survey
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Utilizing the Ethylene-releasing Compound, 2-Chloroethylphosphonic Acid, as a Tool to Study Ethylene Response in Bacteria
Published on: November 10, 2016
1Agrotechnological Research Institute (ATO), Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Netherlands. w.g.vandoorn@ato.wag-ur.nl
Abstract:
The effect of ethylene on flower abscission was investigated in monocotyledons and eudicotyledons, in about 300 species from 50 families. In all species studied except Cymbidium, flower abscission was highly sensitive to ethylene. Flower fall was not consistent among the species in any family studied. It also showed no relationship with petal senescence or abscission, nor with petal colour changes or flower closure. Results suggest that flower abscission is generally mediated by endogenous ethylene, but that some exceptional ethylene-insensitive abscission occurs in the Orchidaceae.
Related Concept Videos
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Pollination and Flower Structure

