PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for inhibiting an ethylene response in a plant. SOLUTION: This method comprises applying an effective ethylene response- inhibitory amount of cyclopropene, 1,1,1-propellane or a derivative thereof to the plant. Furthermore, a method for inhibiting abscission in the plant and a method for prolonging the life of cut flowers are disclosed. COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO