This study investigated the physiological responses of carving fruits and
vegetables on respiration rate, ethylene production and electrolyte leakage.
Pumpkin, carrot, radish and cantaloupe were carved into the shape of rose or
carnation flowers, while Japanese cucumber was carved into lotus flower. All
five plants were also carved into leaf shapes. The physiological changes were
investigated during each stage of the carving process. The results showed
that respiration and ethylene production rates were affected by carving,
increased significantly during carving steps for all styles and shapes. Carving
into leaf shapes induced higher respiration and ethylene production rates than
carving into flower shapes. Carving pumpkin into a rose flower shape caused
higher respiration and ethylene production rates than a carnation flower due to
differences in intensity of the wound stress. High electrolyte leakage occurred
in all samples, regardless of plant or shape. The physiological changes identified
here affected both quality and shelf life of carved plant