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Ethylene Gas and Its Effects Upon
Flower Bulbs and Cut Flowers
Under certain conditions, the ethylene gas released by the natural ripening process of particular fruits and vegetables
can shorten the flower life of particular cut flowers, inhibit the development of immature flower buds, and damage developing
flower bulbs.
Ethylene gas is a naturally-occurring plant hormone. It is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas released during the natural
ripening process of fruits and vegetables. It's okay to have around — it is always around — but should be given
some thought in the following situations:
- when storing flower bulbs in an enclosed space
ethylene gas released by apples and other fruits can build
up in an enclosed space such as a refrigerator, and cause the embryonic flowers inside the bulbs to abort or not fully form
(each bulb contains a fully formed flower inside, ready to emerge and bloom). People often store bulbs in refrigerators prior
to planting.
- when forcing flower bulbs
as above, bulbs stored in enclosed spaces can suffer from ethylene exposure.
- when storing or displaying cut flowers
certain bulb flowers and other flowers can suffer shortened vase life
or incomplete development of their immature flower buds when exposed to ethylene gas.
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High Ethylene Producers |
Moderate Ethylene Producers |
Low Ethylene Producers |
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apple
apricot
avocado
cantaloupe
kiwi-fruit
nectarine
papaya
peach
pear
plum
passion fruit |
banana
fig
honeydew melons
mango
tomato |
cherry
citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange)
leafy vegetables
cut flowers
potatoes
blueberry
cucumber
pineapple |
- What ethylene exposure can do to flowers/bulbs:
- cause partial or incomplete flower abortion
- retard growth of the plant
- cause growth abnormalities such as excessive leafiness, stimulated growth of daughter bulbs
- shorten lifespan of cut flowers
- inhibit development of immature (unopened) flower buds
Ranking the sensitivity of various cut flowers to ethylene gas:
not very sensitive: Tulips, Daffodils
moderately sensitive: Lilies, Freesias, Agapanthus, Alstromeria, Anemone, Dahlia, Eremurus, Gladiolus, Dutch Iris,
Nerine
especially sensitive: Carnations (most sensitive of all)
Factors that may determine effects of ethylene exposure:
- ventilation, exposure
- temperature
- a particular cultivar's sensitivity factor (each cultivarreacts differently)*
- the stage of development of the flower, plant or bulb
* for instance, not all tulip bulbs are bothered by ethylene exposure during forcing: Tulipa 'Kees Nelis' is totally insensitive,
whereas T. 'Paul Richter' is extremely sensitive.
Science and Nature Unearth New Insights into Emotional Health
Rutgers
Behavioral Study Links Flowers and Life Satisfaction
With today's high-tech and fast-paced lifestyle taking its daily toll on our lives, experts advise exercise and other personal
lifestyle changes to relieve stress. According to recent behavioral research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of
New Jersey, nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health - flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy
emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally
believed.
"What's most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage
their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way," said Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers
and lead researcher on the study.
Research Findings
A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants' behavioral
and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.
- Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness.
All study participants expressed "true" or "excited" smiles upon receiving
flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
- Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods.
Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed,
anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
- Flowers make intimate connections.
The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
"Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "Now, science shows that not only do flowers
make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being."
Forget the fountain of youth, new scientific research proves flowers help senior citizens cope with the challenges of aging.
Sharing Space The study also explored where in their homes people display flowers. The arrangements were placed
in areas of the home that are open to visitors - such as foyers, living rooms and dining rooms - suggesting that flowers are
a symbol for sharing.
"Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in those who enter a room," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "They make the space
more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere.
Background
The Emotional Impact of Flowers Study was conducted by Jeannette M. Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Project
Director, Human Development Lab at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Dr. Haviland-Jones is a psychologist and internationally
recognized authority in the role of emotional development in human behavior and nonverbal emotional signals and response.
The research adds a scientific foundation to what many consider to be common knowledge - that flowers have a strong, beneficial
impact on those who receive them. The Society of American Florists worked in cooperation with the Rutgers research team, bringing
an expertise of flowers to the project.
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