1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase-producing endophytic bacteria prolong vase life of cut roses

Abstract

Cultivating rose as a cut flower is a profitable vending business. Preserving cut roses by keeping them fresh and long-lasting is difficult. One of the factors that shortens their lifespan is ethylene exposure. However, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase produced by some plant growth-promoting bacteria converts ACC, an intermediate precursor of ethylene biosynthesis, to ammonia and alpha-ketobutyrate. This study aims to evaluate the ACC deaminase activity of endophytic bacteria in extending the lifespan of cut roses. The isolates were screened on the Dworkin and Foster (DF) medium containing 0.25 mM ACC (ACC-DF) and tested for their efficiency in decreasing ACC by a colorimetric ninhydrin assay. All selected isolates reduced ACC concentration in the culture medium. Acinetobacter sp. SWUy05 could colonize in the stem of cut roses and significantly retarded bud opening and petal wilting or discoloration. Therefore, Acinetobacter sp. SWUy05 is a promising ACC deaminase endophytic bacterium, suitable for extending the vase life of cut rose. © 2023, Khon Kaen University,Research and Technology Transfer Affairs Division. All rights reserved.