EFFECT OF EMASCULATION ON THE ENDOGENOUS CYTOKININ LEVELS OF CYMBIDIUM FLOWERS

Removal of the pollinaria and anther caps of cymbidium flowers resulted in anthocyanin accumulation in the lips and columns of the flower, followed by the senescence of petals and sepals. These changes correlated well with a decrease in the endogenous cytokinin levels in all parts of the flowers after emasculation. While it is presently not known how senescence is initiated, it is significant that at least 6 different cytokinins appear to be present in the anthers and that the total cytokinin level of these structures is much higher than in the rest of the cymbidium flower. This in itself may have an important function in preventing the onset of senescence. © 1979.