Current methods for detecting ethylene in plants

Cristescu M Simona

Current methods for detecting ethylene in plants - Annals of Botany 2013 - 347-360

Background: In view of ethylenes critical developmental and physiological roles the gaseous hormone remains an active research topic for plant biologists. Progress has been made to understant the ethylene biosynthesis pathway and the mechanisms of perception and action. Still numerous questions need to be answered and findings to be validated. Monitoring gas production will very often complete the picture of any ethylene research topic. Therefore the search for suitable ethylene measuring methods for various plant samples either in the field, green houses, laboratories or storage facilities is strongly motivated. Scope: This review presents an update of the current methods for ethylene monitoring in plants. It focuses on the three most-used methods - gas chromatography detection, electrochemical sensing and optical detection - and compares them in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, time response and price. Guidelines are provided for proper selection and application of the described sensor methodologies and some specific applications are illustrated of laser-based detector for monitoring ethylene given off by Arabidopsis thaliana upon various nutritional treatments. Conclusions: Each method has its advantages and limitations. The choice for the suitable ethylene sensor needs careful consideration and is driven by the requirements for a specific application.


Arabidopsis thaliana
Electrochemical sensing
Ethylene
Gas chromatography
Gas sampling
Laser-based detector