Transient water stress in cut carnation flowers: Effects of cycloheximide

Transient exposure (24 h) of cut carnation flowers (Dianthus caryophyllus L., cv. 'White Sim') to water stress led to early wilting, accompanied by increased membrane permeability to electrolytes and advanced ethylene production. A 24 h treatment of non-stressed cut flowers and isolated petals with cycloheximide (CHI), resulted in a delay in wilting, reduction of membrane permeability, inhibition of protein synthesis and ethylene production and an increase in electrolyte content. Cut flowers and isolated petals exposed to water stress following pretreatment with CHI showed moderated responses to water deficit stress, including higher water potential, compared with those observed in untreated stressed flowers. The results indicate that the response of cut flowers to transient water stress may be dependent on protein synthesis.