Wound-induced production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and accelerated senescence of Petunia corollas

Treatment of the corollas of Petunia multiflora cultivar ‘Gypsy’ with ACC (1mM) caused accelerated corolla wilting similar to that caused by stigma wounding, whereas AVG or AOA, inhibitors of ACC synthesis, delayed the response.Concentrations of endogenous ACC were found to increase significantly in the gynoecia and corollas of stigma-wounded flowers within 24 and 48 h, respectively; C₂H₄ production also increased in the gynoecia and to a lesser extent in the corollas.The results are discussed in relation to the possible hormonal change induced by stigma wounding or pollination.