The volatile ethylene action inhibitor l-MCP was synthesized by Prof. E.C. Sisler.
Flowers placed with their bases in deionized water were sealed in a 150-l Perspex
tank with an air-mixing fan. l-MCP was applied by introducing a known volume
through an injection port, to a final concentration of 25, 250 or 500 nl 1-l. After
exposure to l-MCP for 6 h, the flowers were aerated and then treated with ethylene.