EN
Ethylene is the atmosphere component that has the greatest effects on bulb growth and development. The effects of ethylene are numerous and very dependent on the species and time of its application. Exposing bulbs and corms to ethylene activity can cause many physiological disorders. However, ethylene has been shown tobe effective when applied to breaking dormancy, promoting flower initiation, and accelerating sprouting and flowering of freesia, gladiolus, Dutch iris, narcissus, brodiaea (Triteleia), and tulip. Therefore, ethylene can display either an advantegous activity and can be positively used for practical purposes or precautions must be taken to avoid its accumulation during bulb storage, transport, and growth. This article reviews the positive effects of ethylene, smoke (which contains ethylene as a component), and ethephon (which degrades to ethylene) on some flower bulbs.