Molecular understanding of postharvest flower opening and senescence

Abstract Flowers are key organs in many ornamental plants, and various phases of flower development impact their economic value. The final stage petal is associated with senescence, which an irreversible process involving programmed cell death, premature senescence cut flowers often results major losses quality during postharvest handling. Flower opening two sequential processes. As open, the stamens exposed to attract pollinators. Once pollination occurs, initiated. Both processes regulated by a range endogenous phytohormones environmental factors. Ethylene acts as central regulator for ethylene-sensitive flowers. Other phytohormones, including auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, jasmonic acid abscisic acid, also involved control expansion senescence. Water status directly influences opening, while event initiating onset Here, we review current understanding propose future research directions, such study interactions between hormonal signals, application new technology, interdisciplinary research.