Ethylene Induces a Rapid Degradation of Petal Anthocyanins in Cut 'Sansai Blue' Orchid Flowers.

Ethylene plays a major role in the regulation of flower senescence, including in the ethylene-sensitive 'Sansai Blue' orchid flowers. This cut flower is popular in Thailand due to its light blue big size florets possessing a beautiful shape pattern. In the present study, we further examined the rapid ethylene-induced process of active anthocyanin degradation in cut 'Sansai Blue' flowers, which occurred much before detection of other typical senescence-related symptoms.