Ethylene can quickly shorten flower life and even destroy flowers. Common effects of ethylene exposure include premature wilting, flower/bud/leaf drop and premature death. Recent research attributes bluing, bent neck and leaf wilting in some varieties of cut roses to ethylene. Symptoms of ethylene damage vary by flower type and variety; regardless of what it looks like, it unleashes significant losses to the floral industry.  The good news? Today, there is no reason to experience ethylene damage or death, thanks to specialized treatments to prevent it. Read more.