Search Results (42)

As representatives of early-flowering herbaceous peony types, certain cultivars known as the ‘Coral’ series are highly prized in the global cut flowers market for their unique dynamic color transitions from orange-red (amber) to creamy yellow during the florescence and senescence periods. Despite their strong growth vigor and high commercial value, these cultivars face critical postharvest preservation challenges, most notably rapid petal abscission and short vase life. Previous studies have confirmed that postharvest quality deterioration of these peony cut flowers, including undesired color fading and accelerated senescence of petals, is closely associated with ethylene and ROS accumulation. To address these development impediments, systematic optimization of the entire industrial chain is essential. Proposed countermeasures include preharvest regulation of environmental conditions and cultivation practices to establish a foundation for quality formation, as well as postharvest strategies such as precise harvest timing, anti-ethylene treatments, and full cold-chain logistics. Meanwhile, simplifying the distribution system and optimizing terminal vase preservation techniques are also crucial to maintain postharvest quality. In the long term, promoting sustainable development of the global cut-flower industry will require breeding new germplasm with low ethylene sensitivity from a global perspective, continuously optimizing agronomic practices to overcome year-round supply constraints, and accelerating the application of intelligent technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in full chain quality management. Full article

Flower senescence is a key physiological constraint on the ornamental and commercial longevity of cut roses. Although abscisic acid (ABA) is recognized as a promoter of this process, the molecular circuitry through which ABA operates, particularly the specific contributions of MYB transcription factors, remains largely unexplored. In this study, we identify RcMYB002 as a negative regulator of rose flower senescence. Transient overexpression of RcMYB002 significantly delays senescence, preserves anthocyanin accumulation, and modulates antioxidant enzyme activities in a time-dependent manner, consequently attenuating ABA-triggered oxidative stress. In contrast, silencing RcMYB002 accelerates senescence-associated phenotypes. At the molecular level, ABA suppresses RcMYB002 transcript accumulation, while yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays indicate that RcMYB002 interacts with the promoter regions of senescence-associated genes SAG12 and SAG21, consistent with a role in their transcriptional regulation. Taken together, our results support a model in which ABA promotes flower senescence by downregulating RcMYB002, thereby derepressing downstream senescence-executing genes. This work provides a molecular basis for understanding flower senescence and offers a potential target for extending rose vase life. Full article

This study examined nectar and pollen production as well as pollinator visitation in Nigella damascena (Ranunculaceae), an annual ornamental and seed crop, over two flowering seasons. Flower anthesis lasted 6–7 days, with protandry: the male phase began on the first day, and pollen presentation continued until corolla senescence. Peak stigma receptivity occurred in 5-day-old flowers, resulting in a partial overlap of male and female functions between days 5 and 7. Nectar was secreted by petal-derived structures, with secretion beginning in 1-day-old flowers and steadily increasing, peaking on the day of maximum stigma receptivity. The nectar sugar composition differed between floral phases; it was sucrose-dominant in the male phase and sucrose-rich in the female phase. Significant year effects were observed for flowering abundance, nectar traits (volume, sugar production, concentration), and pollen output. Flowers were visited predominantly by honey bees, but bumblebees, solitary bees, and dipterans were also recorded. These results demonstrate that floral reward traits vary between years and contribute to differences in the temporal availability of nectar and pollen resources. Full article

Osmanthus fragrans, a fragrant plant native to China, is extensively utilized in the food and cosmetics industries. However, its optimal harvest period spans only 2–3 days, restricting industrial utilization. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of plant growth, yet their roles in O. fragrans petal opening and senescence remain unexplored. Here, we performed high-throughput sequencing of O. fragrans petals across six developmental stages, generating a valuable transcriptomic resource. We identified 57,860 mRNAs and 2414 lncRNAs, including 6499 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) and 494 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs). Co-expression and WGCNA analyses revealed key modules associated with petal opening (Turquoise module) and senescence (Blue module). The Blue module, significantly correlated with the S6 senescence stage, contained hub lncRNAs novel_00098659 and novel_00077227 co-expressed with multiple transcription factors and hormone signaling components, including 10 ERFs, OfEIN3, OfJAZ, and OfMYC2. Transient overexpression of novel_00077227 in tobacco accelerated leaf senescence in a hormone-dependent manner, with significant increases in electrolyte leakage and MDA content, and reductions in chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme activities. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that novel_00077227 alters the expression of tobacco homologs of predicted target genes involved in ethylene, auxin, jasmonate, and ABA signaling pathways. This study provides a valuable transcriptomic resource of senescence-associated lncRNAs in O. fragrans and offers evidence for the potential involvement of a key candidate, novel_00077227, in hormone-associated senescence regulation. These findings provide a foundation for future functional studies and potential applications in extending flower longevity. Full article

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is a globally important cut flower, and its postharvest longevity is a key determinant of commercial value. Flower senescence in carnation is a genetically programmed yet environmentally modulated process involving coordinated physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and molecular changes. This review synthesizes recent advances in the regulation of carnation petal senescence, with a particular focus on ethylene (ETH)-dependent signaling, hormonal crosstalk, metabolic regulation, and emerging molecular control layers. ETH acts as the central regulator of senescence, interacting with abscisic acid, cytokinins, gibberellins, and auxins to control the timing and progression of petal aging. Recent studies have identified key regulatory genes, including DcACS1, DcACO1, DcEIL3-1, DcWRKY75, DcNAP1/2, DcATX1, and m⁶A methylation-related factors, revealing multilayered control of senescence progression. Emerging evidence further demonstrates that RNA m⁶A modification links ETH signaling with antioxidant capacity and metabolic homeostasis. We propose an integrated regulatory network model that connects hormonal crosstalk, environmental cues, transcriptional control, and post-transcriptional regulation. This updated framework provides mechanistic insights into developing targeted postharvest treatments and breeding strategies to extend vase life of cut carnation flowers. Full article

Floral pigmentation contributes directly to reproductive strategies and fitness by shaping pollinator behaviour, and its regulation therefore represents a critical aspect of flower development. Additionally, it is a major determinant of aesthetic and economic value in the ornamental plant industry. This review explores the genetic, biochemical, and ecological bases of floral colour change, focusing on the biosynthesis and regulation of the three major classes of plant pigments: carotenoids, flavonoids (particularly anthocyanins), and betalains. These pigments, derived from primary metabolism through distinct biosynthetic pathways, define the spatial and temporal variability of floral colouration. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying flower colour change from opening to senescence, highlighting pigment biosynthesis and degradation, pH shifts, metal complexation, and co-pigmentation. Additionally, we address the regulatory networks, including transcription factors (MYB, bHLH, and WDR) and post-transcriptional control, that influence pigment production. Finally, we provide a comprehensive survey of angiosperm species exhibiting dynamic petal colour changes, emphasizing how these mechanisms are regulated. Full article

Flower senescence during transport is a major concern for exporters, as physiological disorders reduce quality and price. Extending vase life is crucial, and while 1-MCP is widely used, it requires low temperatures and is less effective in disease control. Cold plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), offering an alternative method for preserving cut flowers. This study compared the effectiveness of cold plasma and 1-MCP treatments on the vase life of Vanda ‘Pachara Blue’ orchids. Flowers were treated with T1 (control at 25 °C), T2 (1-MCP), and T3 (cold plasma). Both 1-MCP and cold plasma significantly reduced ethylene production (26.15 and 25.20 µL C₂H₄/kg/hr, respectively) and respiration rate (63.92 and 57.44 mg CO₂/kg/hr, respectively) compared to the control (40.93 µL C₂H₄/kg/hr and 118.21 mg CO₂/kg/hr). Vase life was extended to 19.33 days in both treatments, an 87.12% increase over the control (10.33 days). Additionally, cold plasma slightly improved water uptake and reduced petal discoloration. These findings indicate that cold plasma is a promising alternative to 1-MCP, offering effective flower preservation without the need for low-temperature conditions and potential additional benefits in floral quality. Full article

Ethylene-insensitive 3/ethylene-insensitive 3-like (EIN3/EIL) transcription factors are central regulators of ethylene signaling and stress adaptation in plants. However, their roles in Osmanthus fragrans, a globally cherished ornamental and aromatic plant with significant economic value, remain poorly characterized. Here, we identified nine OfEIL genes across eight chromosomes in the O. fragrans “Liuye Jingui” genome. Conserved motif analysis revealed core domains (Motif1/2/4/7), and promoter cis-elements highlighting hormone-related, stress-related, and growth-related regulatory potential. During late flowering stages, six OfEILs (3/4/5/6/7/9) were significantly upregulated. Under 5-azacytidine (AZA, a DNA demethylation agent), OfEIL2 and OfEIL7 were downregulated, whereas the ETH treatment activated OfEIL3/7/8/9. Strikingly, OfEIL7 exhibited dual regulatory roles, correlating strongly with natural flowering progression, AZA-induced demethylation, and ETH responses. Functional divergence was observed in petal senescence, with OfEIL2–5 and OfEIL7–9 showing stage-specific and tissue-specific expression patterns. These results position OfEIL7 as a key hub integrating epigenetic and hormonal signals to modulate floral longevity and stress adaptation. Our study provides the first genome-wide characterization of the EIL family in O. fragrans, offering critical insights for molecular breeding aimed at enhancing ornamental traits and environmental resilience in this economically significant species. Full article

The cut flowers of the Oncidium hybridum cultivar ‘Honey Angle’ are highly regarded for their vibrant floral display, excellent flower quality, and broad commercial applications. However, its postharvest vase life is significantly challenged by wilting, water loss, and color fading, primarily due to ethylene exposure. To clarify the underlying mechanism, we performed treatments with ethylene and ethylene action inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). The petal changes, vase life, and transcriptomic analysis after treatments were investigated. The results revealed that the 1-MCP treatment significantly extended the vase life by upregulating the genes involved in carotenoid synthesis, suppressing the genes related to cell wall degradation and the ethylene signaling pathways. In contrast, the ethylene treatment accelerated senescence by activating the senescence-related genes and increasing ethylene production. Transcriptome analysis identified 960 transcription factors, predominantly from the NAC, WRKY, ERF, bHLH, and MYB families, which were crucial in regulating quality changes during the vase life. A total of 5203 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were assigned to 19 KEGG pathways including carbohydrate and energy metabolism as well as plant hormone signal transduction. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) indicated that these DEGs were primarily associated with weight loss, flowering ratio, lightness, maximum petal diameter, and respiration intensity. This research provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of floral senescence and practical guidance for extending the vase life of ‘Honey Angle’ cut flowers. Full article

Osmanthus fragrans is a highly valued ornamental tree species in China, but its short flowering period limits its ornamental appeal. Investigating the mechanisms of flower senescence in O. fragrans is therefore of significant importance. Ethylene, a key endogenous hormone, plays a central role in flower senescence, and the AP2/ERF gene family, which includes ethylene response factors, is known to regulate this process in various plants. Transcriptome sequencing and expression analysis identified OfERF17 as a critical gene influencing petal senescence in O. fragrans. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that OfERF17 lacks transmembrane transport structures but contains multiple phosphorylation sites and shares a close phylogenetic relationship with the Olea europaea var. Sylvestris. Subcellular targeting and yeast-based auto-activation tests revealed that OfERF17 resides in the nucleus and possesses a transcriptional self-activation capability. Transient expression studies conducted in O. fragrans petals indicated a decrease in the expressions of two genes associated with senescence, namely, OfSAG21 and OfACO3, when compared to the control group. Additionally, the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were markedly reduced. Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum blooms one day more than the wild type, and NtSAG12 and NtACO1 expressions were lower than wild type. These results suggest that OfERF17 functions to delay petal senescence in O. fragrans. This study enhances our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying O. fragrans petal senescence and provides insights into strategies for prolonging its flowering period. Full article

The skin is continuously exposed to environmental changes, rendering it vulnerable to damage from external stressors that contribute to premature skin aging. This study aims to explore skin longevity pathways stimulated by a rose extract (RE) derived from petals. Human keratinocytes treated with RE exhibited a significant increase in NRF2 (NF-E2-related factor 2; ≈2–4% of induction) and LAMP2A (Lysosome-Associated Membrane Protein 2A; ≈6–12% of induction) levels. The presence of RE significantly mitigated the increase in carbonylation levels (≈34–37% of protection) and the number of labeled P16^INK4A cells (≈60–72% of protection), associated with proliferation arrest, both induced by exposure to BAP (Benzo[a]pyrene) coupled with UV-A (Ultraviolet A) irradiation. The beneficial effects mediated by RE were inhibited by Compound C, a specific AMPK inhibitor (AMP-activated protein kinase). The involvement of the AMPK pathway in mediating the beneficial effects of RE has been confirmed by assessing its activation through the evaluation of its phosphorylation state which was significantly elevated in the presence of RE compared to the stress condition. In conclusion, the activation of the AMPK pathway enhances antioxidant defenses and promotes autophagy. This dual action, mediated by RE, helps protect skin cells from oxidative damage and senescence while maintaining proteostasis, skin integrity, and cellular proliferation under pollution-induced stress (BAP + UV-A). These findings highlight the potential in mitigating age-related skin changes through the modulation of longevity pathways. Full article

Roses (Rosa spp.) are widely used as ornamental plants and cut flowers and in perfumes and cosmetics; therefore, they have extremely high ornamental and economic value. Improving ornamental qualities (color, aroma, flower shape, plant architecture, petal senescence), agronomic traits (disease resistance, stress tolerance), and other traits would add value to cultivated roses. However, the lack of an efficient genetic transformation system limits functional genetic studies of roses. Therefore, we aimed to develop a simple, high-throughput Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation system to analyze gene function in rose. We explored the factors affecting the induction and transformation of hairy root cultures in rose by screening different types of explants, Rosa genotypes, Agrobacterium strains, media, and infection and co-cultivation times for genetic transformation under aseptic conditions. We established an A. rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation system in rose using A. rhizogenes strains MSU440 and Ar Qual, successfully obtained transgenic hairy roots, and conducted preliminary experiments to examine their regeneration by employing the ultraviolet light (UV)-visible reporter eYGFPuv as a marker. Finally, we established a simple hairy root transformation process under non-aseptic conditions. The rapid and efficient transformation system developed here will enable efforts to investigate gene function in roses and engineer improved rose varieties. Refining the transformation protocol to work under aseptic and non-aseptic conditions will allow researchers to use this system efficiently and broadly. Full article

MYB-related transcription factors (TFs) subfamily is a subfamily of MYB TFs, which are mainly involved in plant secondary metabolism, growth and development, and stress response. To explore the function of MYB-related subfamily genes in Rosa chinensis, this study systematically analyzed characters of the MYB-related subfamily members in R. chinensis with bioinformatic analysis using the genomic data of R. chinensis and investigated their expression characteristics using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results show that 100 MYB-related proteins were identified in R. chinensis. Proteins are mainly found in the nucleus. Chromosome localization revealed that all MYB-related genes are mapped to seven chromosomes and are distributed in clusters. Collinear analysis shows that 13 pairs of MYB-related genes had a collinear relationship, indicating R. chinensis may have evolved its MYB-related subfamily gene through fragment duplication. The analysis of motifs and conserved domains shows that Motif 3 is the most conserved motif. There are numerous ABA and MeJA response elements in MYB-related genes. ABA and MeJA treatments significantly shortened the vase life of R. chinensis, while the flower diameter on day 3 was the largest, suggesting that ABA and MeJA might induce MYB-related gene expression during cut flower senescence. The expression of MYB-related genes is tissue specific, most of which show the highest expression levels in petals. Notably, among six plant growth regulator treatments, ABA treatment significantly increased RcMYB002 expression in R. chinensis, suggesting that RcMYB002 may be a crucial gene for ABA response. This study provides a reference for further research on the function of MYB-related genes in R. chinensis. Full article

As a plant-specific gene family, class III peroxidases (PODs) play an important role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, the POD gene family has not been systematically studied in Paeonia ostii. In this study, a total of 57 PoPOD genes were identified in the P. ostii genome. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis and chromosome mapping revealed that PoPODs were classified into six subgroups and were unevenly distributed across five chromosomes. The gene structure and conserved motifs indicated the potential for functional divergence among the different subgroups. Meanwhile, four PoPODs were identified as tandem duplicated genes, with no evidence of segmental duplication. Using RNA-seq data from eight different tissues, multiple PoPODs exhibited enhanced expression in apical and adventitious roots (ARs). Next, RNA-seq data from AR development combined with trend analysis showed that PoPOD30/34/43/46/47/57 are implicated in the formation of ARs in tree peony. Through WGCNA based on RNA-seq, two key genes, PoPOD5/15, might be involved in heat tolerance via ABA and MeJA signaling. In addition, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis indicated that PoPOD23 may play an important role in flower senescence. These findings deepened our understanding of POD-mediated AR development, heat tolerance, and petal senescence in tree peony. Full article

This study investigated the potential of petal colorimetric data to classify vase life stages in cut lisianthus flowers (Eustoma grandiflorum). We analyzed the changes in the petal color space over time, focusing on the b* value as an indicator of senescence due to increasing yellowing caused by copigmentation. A comparative analysis was conducted between two cultivation methods: soil (S) and hydroponic (H) cultivation. The objective was to evaluate the performance of machine learning models trained to classify vase life stages based on petal color data. Automated machine learning models exhibited better performance in H-cultivated cut flowers, effectively distinguishing days within the vase life stages from Days 1 to 14 for H cultivation. Cut flowers cultivated under S conditions showed less variation in the color space from Days 1 to 9, maintaining a relatively uniform color range. This made it more difficult to distinguish the vase life stages compared to H cultivation. These findings demonstrate that petal color metrics can serve as reliable indicators of cut flower senescence and potentially facilitate nondestructive methods for classifying vase life stages. This technology holds promise for wider applications in the floriculture industry, improving quality control, and extending the vase life of various cut-flower crops. Full article