Inhibitors of ethylene synthesis: Two anti-ethylene product types (AOA- and AVG-based) can inhibit or reduce the ability of some cut flowers and potted plants to produce ethylene. While these products can be beneficial, inhibitors of ethylene synthesis are generally less effective than STS-based products, since they do not protect against external ethylene. However, some fresh cut flowers do perform well in these solutions, particularly when external ethylene levels are low or when species which have numerous flowers on the same stem at different maturity stages (delphinium, miniature carnation and bouvardia, for instance).

Sanitation: Some fungi and bacteria can produce ethylene. Keep the plants disease free and areas clean where plant materials are grown, stored, shipped or displayed. In addition, discard old or dying plants, flowers and related debris, as these items are potential ethylene sources.

Scrubbers or filters: Mostly potassium permanganate-based, these products have been available for about 20 years. Some plant and flower sleeves also claim to remove ethylene. In addition, some filtering systems use ozone and other chemicals to remove ethylene. These products are only marginally effective. In many cases, exchanging inside storage air with outside fresh air works better and is cheaper.

Air exchange/circulation systems: Most ethylene levels outdoors are too low to cause plant problems. Inside-during periods when workers are not present-simply devise a system to exchange inside with outside air at the rate of one time per hour. During working hours, normal people traffic allows for sufficient air exchange, so your only expense will be energy costs of cooling or heating incoming air.

Positive ethylene effects: Ethylene has a positive side, too. For example, ethylene controls or greatly influences numerous plant growth and developmental processes such as flowering, pigmentation or color development, fruit ripening, leaf abscission or fall, and cell enlargement. While ethylene is needed for plants to properly grow and develop, this gas often becomes a major problem for extending the life of crops after harvest.

Information reprinted from SAF Flower and Plant Care Manual, (Society of American Florists: Alexandria, VA, 1994), pp. 147-150.