How can physiological and genetic approaches on vase life help rose breeders and producers?

Among cut flowers, cultivated roses have the highest planting area and market share worldwide. The processes of flower opening and senescence largely determine the ornamental and economic value of flowers. Cut roses are often transported long distances; however, roses are perishable and undergo substantial postharvest deterioration, resulting in huge economic losses to flower producers. Therefore, proper pre- and postharvest management are required to maximize the vase life of cut roses, maintain quality, and reduce postharvest losses. The breeding and supply of cut flowers remain to be optimized. Recently, we uncovered the underlying genetic and physiological mechanisms of flower opening and petal senescence in roses. We constructed a regulatory network that includes the key genes involved in the crosstalk of phytohormone signaling pathways that regulate flower opening and senescence. In addition, based on our current understanding of these processes, we created new cultivars of cut roses that can tolerate storage and transportation and established a large-scale postharvest treatment system. This study broadens our understanding of the physiological and genetic mechanisms influencing the vase life of roses, facilitating innovations in flower breeding, longevity, and postharvest technology.