TRANSIENT WATER-STRESS IN CUT CARNATION FLOWERS - EFFECTS OF CYCLOHEXIMIDE

Transient exposure (24 h) of cut carnation flowers (Dianthus caryophyl lus L., cv. 'White Sim') to water stress led to early wilting, accompa nied by increased membrane permeability to electrolytes and advanced e thylene production. A 24 h treatment of non-stressed cut flowers and i solated petals with cycloheximide (CHI), resulted in a delay in wiltin g, reduction of membrane permeability, inhibition of protein synthesis and ethylene production and an increase in electrolyte content. Cut f lowers and isolated petals exposed to water stress following pretreatm ent with CHI showed moderated responses to water deficit stress, inclu ding higher water potential, compared with those observed in untreated stressed flowers. The results indicate that the response of cut flowe rs to transient water stress may be dependent on protein synthesis.