Abstract
Cut flowering stems of Tulipa cultivars were treated with a range of silver thiosulphate (STS) solutions (0.01–2.0 mM) for different times (10 min–24 h). The extension of the stem and longevity of the perianth were then observed at 18°C with the stems in water. At the highest dose (2.0 mM STS), a metallic silver sheen appeared on the surface of the STS solution and leaves were damaged. At non-toxic levels there appeared to be no effect on perianth longevity. However, the STS treatment completely reversed the inhibition of stem elongation caused by treatment with ethephon (48 mg l −1 for 24 h) or with ethylene (C 2H 4, 1 v.p.m. for 41 h). The results suggest that in spite of the lack of effect of STS on corolla longevity, the STS is freely mobile in the vascular tissue and in trace amounts blocks the effects of C 2H 4. Silver nitrate was not as effective as STS. Measurements of STS uptake suggest that about 1 μmol of silver is sufficient to counter the inhibitory effects of ethylene on stem elongation.
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