In 1988 Leslie & Romani (Plant Physiology 88:833-837) reported the ability of
salicylic acid to inhibit ethylene biosynthesis. The same is likely true for
aspirin since it is rapidly converted into salicylic acid once inside the
plant. Inhibition of ethylene production by cut flowers likley prolongs the
"shelf-life".
For a good review of salicylic acid see Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol.
Biol. 43:439-463.
-Alex
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Dr. Alexander J. Enyedi
Dept of Biological Sciences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008
(616) 387-5627
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