Authors : Antonio Ferrante, Alice Trivellini and Giovanni Serra
Abstract: Interactions of garden botanical composition with human senses generate sensations and emotions that may give pleasure and welfare to observers. Among the garden plants, roses are the most important for the wide range of varieties and flower colours. This review is focused on physiological factors that regulate flower longevity and colour persistence in roses that are generally used for garden decorations. Genes that encode for pigments biosynthesis can be used for improving flower colours. The colour persistence of flowers is tightly related to senescence. In fact, senescence associated genes have been discovered and the study of their function may be useful for genetic improvement for extending the flowering periods. The flower colour and the length of the flowering periods are very important factors that contribute to the garden beauty. Colours cannot be objectively appreciated because they can be differently appreciated by the observers. Therefore, sensations and emotions that rose alone or in combinations with other shrubs and perennials in a garden cannot be predictable.
Antonio Ferrante, Alice Trivellini and Giovanni Serra, 2010. Colours Intensity and Flower Longevity of Garden Roses. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 5: 125-130.