The effect of silver thiosulphate preservative on the physiology of cut carnations II. Influence on endogenous cytokinins

Abstract

The increase in dry matter and carbohydrate levels reported earlier in the gynaecia of naturally senescing cut carnations could be correlated with increases in the levels of cytokinins that co-chromatographed with zeatin and zeatin riboside. These relatively high levels of endogenous cytokinins in the reproductive organs apparently created a strong sink which enhanced flower senescence, and in so doing probably established the conditions which may be necessary for normal reproductive development. The application of silver thiosulphate (STS) to the cut flowers which inhibits ethylene production, did not result in an increase in the level of endogenous cytokinins in any part of the cut flower.