EFFECTS OF 1-MCP ON THE VASE LIFE AND ETHYLENE RESPONSE OF CUT FLOWERS

Pretreatment for 6 h with low concentrations of 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopr opene, formerly designated as SIS-X), a cyclic ethylene analog, inhibi ts the normal wilting response of cut carnations exposed continuously to 0.4 mu l . l(-1) ethylene. The response to 1-MCP was a function of treatment concentration and time. Treatment with 1-MCP was as effectiv e in inhibiting ethylene effects as treatment with the anionic silver thiosulfate complex (STS), the standard commercial treatment. Other et hylene-sensitive cut flowers responded similarly to carnations. In the presence of 1 ul . l(-1) ethylene, the vase life of 1-MCP-treated flo wers was up to 4 times that of the controls.