The Effect of Inhibitors of Protein Synthesis on Ethylene-induced Senescence in Isolated Carnation Petals1

Abstract Exposure of isolated petals of carnation ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.) to ethylene resulted in a rapid loss of fresh weight and “in-rolling,” both of which were prevented by pretreatment of petals with cycloheximide (CHI). Actinomycin D (ActD) had no effect on these responses. Treatment of petals with ethylene also resulted in an increase in O 2 uptake, which was also inhibited by pretreatement with CHI. “In-rolling” of petals was prevented only if CHI was applied to petals within 4 hours after beginning the exposure to ethylene, but an 8 hour delay in application of CHI after exposure to ethylene was effective in inhibiting the loss of fresh weight.