Upsurge in respiration and peroxide formation in potato tubers as influenced by ethylene, propylene, and cyanide.

A continuous application of ethylene (10 mul/l) and propylene (500 mul/l) to potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) resulted in an upsurge of respiration and a concomitant rise in peroxides. When applied in 100% O(2), the effect of ethylene and propylene on respiration and peroxide formation was augmented. Hydrogen cyanide (500 mul/l) mimicked the action of ethylene and propylene inducing a respiratory rise and a corresponding increase in peroxides. As with ethylene, the effect of HCN was augmented in high O(2) tensions. The results support the suggestion that ethylene activates the cyanide-insensitive respiratory pathway.