Flower bud abscission triggered by the anther in the Asiatic hybrid lily

► Flower bud abscission in the Asiatic hybrid lilies are contributed by carbohydrate metabolism in anther. ► Lack of translocation of sucrose from the filament to the anther in small buds and of sucrose hydrolysis into fructose and glucose in the anther are considered as the primary cause. ► The respiration rate of small buds was high (2,000-3,000 mg/kg fw) when the anther remained attached to the filament. ► Ethylene production is considered to be induced by carbohydrate metabolism in anther in small buds.