Petunia floral volatile benzenoid/phenylpropanoid genes are regulated in a similar manner

Petunia (Petunia x hybrida cv 'Mitchell Diploid' [MD]) flowers emit high levels of multiple floral volatile benzenoid/phenylpropanoid (FVBP) compounds from anthesis to senescence in a concerted manner. Here we show seven genes responsible for the production of emitted FVBPs share similar transcript accumulation profiles through an analysis of four expression criteria. As a group, the FVBP gene transcripts accumulate to high levels in petal limb tissue of MD flowers from anthesis to senescence. Two to four hours of exogenous ethylene exposure reduces transcript levels of all FVBP genes examined, but 2h of treatment will not accelerate senescence or reduce volatile emissions in MD flowers. The FVBP genes show two obvious rhythmic patterns of transcript accumulation; however, corresponding enzyme activities of a subset of FVBP gene products do not. Together, these results depict floral volatile benzenoid/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis as a specific system with multiple regulatory features. One such feature is the highly regulated transcript accumulation of the FVBP genes. Additionally, ethylene may have a regulatory role in the FVBP system prior to a floral senescence program.