Genetic variation in ethylene responsiveness of regal pelargonium

Authors

Kim, H.J.; Craig, R.; Brown, K.M.

Source

Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Volume 131, Issue 1, p.122-126 (2006)

Accession Number

Download Options

Full Text:

Sorry, publisher does not permit download

My library:

Abstract

Ethylene induces significant petal abscission in regal pelargonium (Pelargonium xdomesticum L.H. Bailey). Three genotypes, 'Elegance Silver' and its progeny, 00-43-1 and 00-43-2, were developed with exceptional production and postproduction characteristics. These genotypes had significantly enhanced individual floret longevity and whole plant longevity, and displayed more than twice as many florets as commercial cultivars. Dose response analysis demonstrated that 'Elegance Silver' has reduced ethylene responsiveness throughout floret development, shown by lower petal abscission than other cultivars over a range of ethylene concentrations. Floret longevity was strongly correlated with ethylene responsiveness as indicated by S-50 (ethylene concentration for 50% petal abscission), but not with ethylene production. These results suggest that reduced ethylene responsiveness is an important determinant of enhanced postproduction performance in the superior genotypes of regal pelargonium.