Ethylene effects and their mitigation on the quality of <i>Dendrobium</i> flowers

Abstract Dendrobium plants are grown commercially for cut flower and potted plant production. Their flowers are very colorful and attractive. The life span of flowers on the plant is rather long, but they have a short shelf life after being cut from the plant. Ethylene is one of the many factors responsible for the premature senescence of Dendrobium cut flowers. Ethylene may come from the cut flowers themselves or from the environment. It can induce premature senescence, including wilting, withering, fading, abscission, venation, drooping, and epinasty. The rate of development and severity of these symptoms depend on the cultivar, ethylene concentration, and the duration of exposure to ethylene. Ethylene production in Dendrobium orchid flowers takes place via 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase and aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase activity and their associated gene expression. Ethylene action also requires the activation of receptor and signal transduction genes. Prevention of Dendrobium flowers from ethylene‐induced damage can be achieved by clonal selection, genetic modification, and the use of chemical and physical means.