A research team led by Professor Zhang Fan from Huazhong Agricultural University collaborated with several institutions and published a study in New Phytologist, revealing the molecular mechanism of DNA methylation regulating flower senescence in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). 

 

The study found that increased DNA methylation levels can inhibit the expression of amino acid synthesis related genes, leading to decreased amino acid content and accelerated petal senescence. Downregulation of the key DNA demethylase gene DcROS1 can increase DNA methylation levels, inhibit amino acid synthesis, and cause premature flower senescence. Exogenous application of arginine and branched-chain amino acids can delay senescence. 

 

This study lays the theoretical foundation for developing carnation flower senescence preservatives and breeding new varieties with extended vase life.