The use of acetaldehyde to control carnation flower longevity

Acetaldehyde is the causal agent of ethanol-induced longevity increases in carnation cut flowers. It increases the vase life of cut carnation flowers by at least 50%. The capacity of acetaldehyde to regulate carnation flower senescence was therefore investigated. Ethylene formation was reduced or inhibited as a result of acetaldehyde application. There was, however, no prevention of ethylene action. The morphological development of the ovary was also inhibited, thus eliminating the movement of metabolites from the petals. The potential use of acetaldehyde as a post-harvest treatment is however impractical, due to the inefficiency of pulse treatments and ineffectiveness in preventing the action of exogenous ethylene.