Experimental Modification of Plant Senescence.

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Abstract
The senescence of Lincoln soybeans (Glycine max) and Longstanding Bloomsdale spinach (Spinacia oleracea) was studied using the onset of death as the index of senescence. A method for quantitative scoring of stages of senescence was developed for this purpose. Senescence was effectively delayed in both species of plants by the removal of flowers or fruits. The relative effectiveness of these treatments declines as the time of removal is delayed. Staminate and pistillate plants of spinach responded to defloration and defruiting with delayed senescence. These experiments support a concept of senescence as being induced by a gradually intensifying signal in reproductive plants rather than to a depletion of food reserves through mobilization into developing fruits.