EFFECT OF CYCLOHEXIMIDE ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL-CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITHSENESCENCE OF DETACHED FLOWERS OF IRIS-GERMANICA L

Silverthiosulphate which is a potent inhibitor of ethylene action was found to be ineffective in delaying senescence of detached flowers of Iris germanica whereas cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, e ffectively delayed the senescence of these flowers and extended the lo ngevity to 6 days. However, this treatment resulted in suppression of bud opening. When cycloheximide treatment was given at progressive int ervals it became less effective in inhibiting bud opening and delaying senescence. Cycloheximide treatment maintained a higher protein conte nt in the perianth tissue of flowers compared to untreated flowers.