Delay of Senescence in Carnations by a Rhizobitoxine Analog and Sodium Benzoate1

The rhizobitoxine analog, L-2-amino-4-(2-aminoethoxy)- trans -3-butenoic acid, and sodium benzoate inhibited ethylene production in cut flowers of carnation ( Dianthus caryophyllus , L. cv. White Sim) and extended the vase life by several days. The rhizobitoxine analog (Ro) and sodium benzoate were added to a basal holding solution of 2% sucrose, 0.02% 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, and 0.02 M potassium citrate buffer (pH 4.7). The results indicate that Ro at 0.068 mM increased the vase life of cut carnations by 95% or more. Sodium benzoate at 1.0 or 2.0 mM also increased the vase life. The compounds may have increased vase life of the flowers by inhibiting ethylene production. The effects of these compounds were over and above the effects of sucrose, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, and acid pH of the holding solution.