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This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of ethanol on vase life and ethylene production of cut carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L, cv. White Sim). Carnation flowers were harvested at the open stage when outer petals were perpendicular to the stem axis, and held in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% ethanol solutions. Ethanol extended the vase life of cut carnation flowers. Especially, 6% ethanol extended vase life by 2.4 times as compared with that of distilled water (DW). Ethylene production of 2% and 4% ethanol-treated flowers showed a half and a quarter of that of DW, respectively, and reached a peak at 2 and 3 days later than DW. Flowers held in 6% and 8% ethanol showed no ethylene production. High concentrations of ethanol caused many toppled stems. The 6% ethanol solution occurred a lot of solution absorption. The 4-6% ethanol solution was the most effective for improving quality and extending vase life of cut carnation flowers. It was suggested that ethanol could delay the senescence of cut carnations by inhibition of ethylene synthesis.
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