Myth busters of the world, unite! This has been an accepted piece of garden
lore for at least as long as I've been gardening. However, it seems we have
been worrying needlessly.

According to information I received from a researcher in Holland, the amount
of ethylene gas given off by fruit such as apples is relatively small.
Further, refrigerator temperatures of 38° to 42° Fahrenheit reduces the
production of ethylene gas, and also slows the bulbs' metabolism, further
limiting the influence of the gas in the flower embryo within the bulbs. He
seemed to think that the "ethylene gas blights bulbs' flowers" is just not
supported by the facts.

I discuss this at somewhat greater length/ more detail in "Bulbs for Garden
Habitats" which will, God willing and the creeks don't rise, be released by
Timber Press in May 2005.

Judy in New Jersey where the creek, uninfluenced by hurricanes, has not yet
risen.