Effects of IBA on the rooting of branch cuttings of Chinese jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) and changes to nutrients and endogenous hormones

‘Zhongqiusucui’ jujube secondary shoots were treated with 3-indolebutyric acid(IBA) at three concentrations, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/L. Results show that IBA could significantly enhance rooting and root characteristics of cuttings and were best with IBA at 1500 mg/L. In the rooting process, the formation of adventitious roots was related to the consumption and accumulation of nutrients(soluble sugars and proteins) and the changes in endogenous hormones in phloem, leaf tips and leaf bases. The rooting of cuttings had a positive correlation with the consumption of soluble sugars during the period of callus formation and with the accumulation of soluble sugars during adventitious root formation and growth. Rooting was positively related to the breakdown of soluble proteins in the phloem when the callus formed, and had a positive correlation with its accumulation during adventitious root formation and growth. Leaf tips and leaf bases showed a reverse trend in changes of soluble protein. However, together with the phloem, leaf tips and leaf bases regulated and controlled the formation and development of adventitious roots. The main activities of soluble proteins exist in the leaf tips as this was the main source of soluble proteins. The relation between rooting and IAA(indole-3-acetic acid) content in phloem was positive and thus a high concentration of IAA could benefit the induction and formation of adventitious roots. However, rooting was negatively related with ABA(abscisic acid) and GA(gibberellic acid) and a high concentration of both could inhibit the induction and formation of adventitious roots. Rooting had a positive correlation with phloem IAA/ABA ratios, and higher ratios could improve rooting. Low concentrations of ZR(zeatin riboside) triggered the induction of adventitious roots, while higher concentrations promoted root growth.Endogenous hormones in leaf tips and bases had an impact on rooting. The activities of endogenous hormones mainly existed in leaf tips because they play a major role in the production and consumption of IAA and its ABA content increased during rooting. The ZR in leaf tips influenced the rooting of cuttings, especially in the callus formation and rooting stage. Leaf tips were the main source of GA.

The Influence of Endogenous Hormones on Culture Capability of Different Explants in Rice

The endogenous hormones (EHs) content of different explants (anther, young panicle, young embryo and mature embryo) and calli with different culture capability were analyzed by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the contents and ratio of endogenous hormones were one of the key factors affecting callus induction frequencies (CIF) and green plantlet differentiation frequencies (GPDF). The influence of endogenous hormones of different explants on CIF represented as: Zoatin ribosile (ZR) showed negative effect, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) did positive effect, and gibberellic acid (GA) did negative effect except for mature embryos. The influence of endogenous hormones on green plantlet differentiation frequency (GPDF) showed: IAA and GA were negative effect; abscisic acid (ABA) and zeatin+ zeatin riboside (Z+ZR) were positive effect. The mixture ratio of endogenous hormones played a role on CIF and GPDF. IAA/Z+ZR had a positive effect on CIF, and there was a notable positive correlation between Z+ZR/ IAA and GPDF, so was between ABA/IAA and GPDF.

Correlation Between Endogenous Hormones of Stem Apices and Fruit Locule Numbers in Tomatoes During Floral Bud Differentiation Stages

The study was designed to elucidate the changes in the endogenous hormones of stem apices in tomatoes and the function of correlative endogenous hormones in tomatoes during floral bud differentiation stages. The tomato parents were crossed and reverse crossed by using two inbred lines of multi-locule （MLK1） and few-locule （FL1） with significant difference, and the relationship between endogenous hormones GA3, IAA, and ABA levels and ovary locule numbers of parents and progeny during floral bud differentiation initial stage, floral bud differentiation stage, sepal petal formation stage, carpel formation initial stage, and ovary locule complete formation stage was studied. GA3 levels in P1, P2, F1, and RF1 were consistent with locule numbers, and IAA and ABA levels were reverse to ovary locule numbers during the key stage. The correlation showed that, during sepal petal formation stage, the ovary locule numbers were positively correlated with GA3, GA3/IAA, and GA3/ABA, and were negatively correlated with IAA and ABA. It was speculated that increasing GA3 levels or decreasing IAA and ABA levels of stem apices in tomato might be able to enhance ovary locule numbers. The sepal petal formation stage was an important stage which regulated endogenous hormones in the ovary locule formation.

Effects of chilling tolerance induced by spermidine pretreatment on antioxidative activity,endogenous hormones and ultrastructure of indica-japonica hybrid rice seedlings

Spermidine（Spd） is known to be involved in the regulation of plant responses to chilling stress and counteract the adverse effect of stress conditions.Antioxidant activities,endogenous hormones and ultrastructure change under chilling stress were investigated in indica-japonica hybrid rice seedlings.12-d-old seedlings were subjected to exogenous Spd（1 mmol L^（-1）） and then a chilling stress（6℃,4 d） was induced,followed by a subsequent recovery（25℃,4 d）.Results showed that malondialdehyde（MDA） and proline content were enhanced significantly,whereas shoot fresh and dry weights decreased during chilling stress and after recovery;chlorophyll content of chilling-stressed seedlings increased slightly but declined after recovery;additionally,total soluble sugar,sucrose,fructose and starch contents increased significantly during chilling stress,and only soluble sugar and fructose contents were observed in increase after recovery;chilling stress-induced increases in superoxide dismutase（SOD）,peroxidase（POD） and catalase（CAT） activities,but declined after recovery,and the level of ascorbate peroxidase was lower during chilling stress and after recovery;however,endogenous indole-3-acetic acid（IAA）,zeatin riboside（ZR）,gibberellic acid（GA_3）,and abscisic acid（ABA） levels were induced decreased compared with Spd pretreatment.The microscopic analysis revealed that chilling stress-induced destruction of the chloroplast envelope during chilling stress and increased the number of plastoglobuli along with aberrations in thylakoid membranes after recovery.In contrast,exogenous Spd protected rice seedlings from chilling-induced injuries in terms of lower malondialdehyde,proline and carbohydrates accumulation coupled with increased endogenous hormones metabolism.After recovery,Spd pretreatment chilling-exposed seedlings showed higher activities of antioxidant enzymes and normal physiological function of chloroplasts.These results suggest that Spd could promote effectively chilling tolerance which might be largely attributable to the integrity of cell structure and normal metabolism of endogenous hormones in indica-japonica hybrid rice seedlings.

Separation and Measurement of Three Kinds of Endogenous Hormones in Rhizome of Alhagi sparsifolia

[ Objective] The aim was to establish effective method for endogenous hormone extraction and explore conditions of chromatographic analysis for three endogenous hormones in rhizome of Alhagi sparsifolia. [ Methed ] Activol （GA3 ）, zeatin （ZR） and indole-3-acetic acid （IAA） in rhizome were separated and measured as per RP-HPLC. [Result] The average recovery rates of GA3, ZR and IAA were 98.3%, 90.3% and 101.3%, respectively, indicating that the method is suitable for quantitative analysis with little errors. The chromatographic conditions were as follows： methanol/0. 75% of acetic acid at 45：55 （mobile phase） ; flow speed at 0.7 ml/min; wavelength at 254 nm; column temperature at 25 ℃. [Conclusion] The research preliminarily established HPLC conditions for separation of endogenous hormones in rhizome of Alhagi sparsifolia.

Response of root morphology, physiology and endogenous hormones in maize(Zea mays L.) to potassium deficiency

Potassium （K） deficiency is one of the major abiotic stresses which has drastically influenced maize growth and yield around the world. However, the physiological mechanism of K deficiency tolerance is not yet fully understood. To identify the differences of root morphology, physiology and endogenous hormones at different growing stages, two maize inbred lines 90-21-3 （tolerance to K deficiency） and D937 （sensitive to K deficiency） were cultivated in the long-term K fertilizer experimental pool under high potassium （＋K） and low potassium （-K） treatments. The results indicated that the root length, volume and surface area of 90-21-3 were significantly higher than those of D937 under -K treatment at different growing stages. It was noteworthy that the lateral roots of 90-21-3 were dramatically higher than those of D937 at tasselling and flowering stage under-K treatment. Meanwhile, the values of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and oxidizing force of 90-21-3 were apparently higher than those of D937, whereas malondialdehyde （MDA） content of D937 was obviously increased. Compared with ＋K treatment, the indole-3-acetic acid （IAA） content of 90-21-3 was largely increased under-K treatment, whereas it was sharply decreased in D937. On the contrary, abscisic acid （ABA） content of 90-21-3 was slightly increased, but that of D937 was significantly increased. The zeatin riboside （ZR） content of 90-21-3 was significantly decreased, while that of D937 was relatively increased. These results indicated that the endogenous hormones were stimulated in 90-21-3 to adjust lateral root development and to maintain the physiology function thereby alleviating K deficiency.

The Relation Between Endogenous Hormones and Late-Germination in Buds of Avrolles Apple

In order to provide the physiological bases for selecting late-germination cultivars that can avoid late frost damage, the very late-germination variety Avrolles （Malus domestica） was used to study the relation between the dynamic changes and balance of endogenous hormones and germination time. The concentrations of endogenous GA3, ABA, IAA, and ZR were determined in buds of Avrolles and Judeline （Malus domestica） from dormancy releasing to germination by capillary electrophoresis. The dynamic changes of endogenous hormones concentration in buds of Avrolles and Judeline were similar; but the magnitude and time of the change were significantly different between the two varieties, especially for GA3. GA3 concentration increased with dormancy releasing, then decreased, and increased again before germination in the two varieties. GA3 concentration in Avrolles was 1.72 times that in Judeline at the first peak, the gap increased to 2.22 times at germination. ZR concentration exhibited a continuous increase trend, but it decreased sharply before germination. ZR accumulation in Avrolles took 36 days longer than in Judeline, the peak value was 44% higher than in Judeline. Before germination, ZR concentration in Avrolles was 2.12 times that in Judeline. The differences between IAA and ABA concentration were relatively small in the two varieties, while the ratios of GA3/ABA and （GA3 ＋ IAA ＋ ZR）/ABA in Avrolles were 2.08 and 1.58 times those in Judeline, respectively. The germination of apple bud was regulated by the endogenous hormones. For the late-germination apple Avrolles, its germination requires higher concentration of GA3 and ZR, which leads to the high ratios of GA3/ABA and （GA3＋ IAA＋ ZR）/ABA.

Role of endogenous hormones,glumes,endosperm and temperature on germination of Leymus chinensis(Poaceae)seeds during development

Aims Leymus chinensis is an original dominant plant in the Songnen grassland,and it has great value for restoration of severely degraded land.However,seeds are dormant,and low germination percentage is a problem for restoring L.chinensis grassland.The mechanism of seed dormancy is not been well understood.The primary aims of the present study were to investigate the dormancy mechanism of L.chinensis seeds(caryopses)with reference to the role of embryo-covering layers,endogenous hormones and temperature.Methods Changes in concentration of the endogenous hormones GA3,indoleacetic acid(IAA),zeatin riboside(ZR)and abscisic acid(ABA)in L.chinensis seeds fromanthesis to maturity weremeasured by the enzymelinked immunosorbent assay method.Germination at different stages of maturity were tested at 16/28
C,5/28
C and 5/35
C for intact seeds with glumes(control),intact seeds with glumes removed(nakedwhole seeds)and intact seeds with glumes and one-half of the endosperm removed(naked-half seeds).Important Findings Of the four endogenous hormones monitored,only the concentration of ZR differed significantly between the beginning and the end of seed development(increased);the GA3/ABA ratio also did not differ.Rank of germination percentage of control at the three temperature regimens was 5/28
C>16/28
C>5/35
C.Germination percentage of the naked-half seeds reached 100%under the three temperature regimens.We concluded that dormancy of L.chinensis seeds is not mainly controlled by endogenous hormones.Germination temperature,mechanical resistance of glumes and inhibition of endosperm are the main factors controlling dormancy and germination of L.chinensis seeds.

Endogenous phytohormones and the expression of flowering genes synergistically induce flowering in loquat

Flowering is an important process for the reproduction of higher plants.Up to this point,the studies on flowering have mostly focused on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana,and the flowering mechanism of fruit trees remains mostly unknown.The diversity of the flowering time of loquat(Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)makes it an ideal material to study the regulation of flowering.In this study,we first observed the inflorescence bud differentiation in two varieties of loquat that had different blooming times(cv.Dawuxing(E.japonica),that blooms in the fall and cv.Chunhua(E.japonica×Eriobotrya bengalensis Hook.f.)that blooms in the spring)and found that the starting time of inflorescence bud differentiation and the speed of inflorescence development were responsible for the difference in blooming times.The determination of endogenous phytohormones by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)indicated that abscisic acid(ABA),zeatin(ZT),and gibberellin(GA3)promoted flowering in loquat,while indole-3-acetic acid(IAA)was mainly involved in inflorescence bud differentiation in Chunhua.A transcription level analysis illustrated that multiple flowering-related genes could respond to different signals,integrate to the TFL1,AP1 and FT genes,and then synergistically regulate flowering in loquat.Thus,this study provides a new insight into flowering regulation mechanisms in loquat.

Content Changes of Several Endogenous Plant Hormones in Female-Sterile Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.

To determine the relationship between female sterility of Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. and plant hormones, content changes of several endogenous plant hormones in a female-sterile clone and a normal clone were analyzed during the key period of female gametophyte abortion in mutant clones. The change of ABA content showed a similar pattern between normal and mutant clones, but the ABA content of the mutant clone was always much higher than that of the normal clone. In the normal clone, the IAA content decreased significantly at the early stage of the period and reached its minimum during the first ten days of April and stabilized thereafter. The endogenous ZR levels increased sharply at the early stages and reached a maximum in the middle of April, then decreased dramatically. The IAA and ZR contents of the mutant clone did not change perceptively through the entire period. We conclude that the high levels of ABA and the deficit of IAA and ZR may be the reasons of female gametophyte abortion in the female-sterile clones of P. tabulaeformis.

Effects of Root Cutting on Morphological Characteristics and Endogenous Hormone Levels of Quercus variabilis Seedlings

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of root cutting stress on the dynamic changes of endogenous hormone content and growth characteristics of Quercus variabilis roots,and to explore the physiological role of endogenous hormones in regulating root-crown interactions in the short term.The morphological characteristics and endogenous hormone contents of normal roots(no root cutting,CK)and cut roots(cut by 1/3 of the length of the main root,RP)were determined by liquid chromatography,which was combined with mass spectrometry at different levels of different developmental stages.The results showed that the root growth indexes and root endogenous hormones in the RP group were superior to those in the CK group.Through comprehensive analysis of endogenous hormones,it was found that the crosstalk of IAA,JA,ABA and SA could activate the root growth defense.After the root cutting treatment,the root growth of Quercus variabilis seedlings could compensate for the inhibition of taproot growth by promoting lateral root growth.The growth and development of compensatory lateral roots contribute to the increase the total root length of plants,thus promoting the absorption of water and nutrients.It is speculated that plant hormones may be the key factors affecting their development,but this is not only related to the content of a single hormone,but more importantly,it is the interaction between various hormones.

Expression Analyses of ABCDE Model Genes and Changes in Levels of Endogenous Hormones in Chinese Cabbage Exhibiting Petal-Loss

Abnormal formation of floral organs affects plant reproduction and can directly interfere with the progress of breeding programs. Using PCR amplification, ABCDE model genes BraAP2, BraAP3, BraPI, BraAG, BraSHP, and BraSEP were isolated from Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa L.ssp. pekinensis). We examined six development stages of floral buds collected from Chinese cabbage and compared between a line demonstrating normal flowering(A-8) and two mutated lines that exhibited plants having petal-loss(A-16 and A-17). The expression of ABCDE model genes has been analyzed by qRT-PCR. Compared with flower buds of petal-loss plants and normal plants, the expression of A-class gene BraAP2 was significantly decreased during the first to fourth stages, C-class gene BraAG expression was significantly decreased during the first to fifth stages,and D-class gene Bra SHP expression was significantly decreased during the first to third stages. Furthermore, B-class gene BraAP3 and BraPI and E-class gene BraSEP expressions were significantly decreased during all six stages of petal-loss plants compared with normal plants. Enzymelinked immunosorbent assays detected nine endogenous phytohormones during all stages examined here. Except for the second-stage and third-stage buds, levels of the auxin IAA and cytokinin dhZR were always higher in the petal-loss plants than the normal plants at corresponding time points. Meanwhile, concentrations of GA_(1+3) at the first, fourth, and fifth stages were higher in the petal-loss plants than in the normal plants. Our results provide a theoretical basis for future exploration of the molecular mechanism that determines petal loss and the effects that hormones have on such development in Chinese cabbage plants.

Changes of Endogenous Hormone Contents in Fruit, Seeds and Their Effects on the Fruit Development of Rosa roxburghii

The fruit of cultivar Guinong5 (Rosa roxburghii Tratt.) was used to investigate the regularity of its growth and development, and the changes of endogenous hormone contents during the period of the growth and development. The result showed that contents of GA 1+3, IAA and ZRs in the flower receptacle of young fruit were high and then decreased, contents of GA 1+3and IAA in seeds increased with its development until maturity. The contents of ZRs and ABA in the flower receptacle of young fruits and seeds were high, and then had a tendency of descent with the development of fruits. The contents of GA 1+3, IAA, ZRs and ABA in flower receptacle of young fruit with normal fertilization were much higher than those of in non-fertilization fruits. In the flower receptacle of malformed fruits, the contents of GA 1+3, IAA and ZRs in normally developing flower receptacle were significantly higher than those in malformed fruits. The growth and development of fruits depended largely on the seeds, development because the seeds in the fruits with non-fertilization failed to be formed or even formed but irreproducible, which would lead to the decrease of GA 1+3, IAA contents and the abnormal development of fruits. Therefore the fruits deformed and dropped inevitably.

Effects of Uniconazole on Stem and Leaf Growth and Endogenous Hormone Contents of Dahlia ( Dahlia pinnata Cav.)

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the physiological mechanism of the response of Dahlia pinnata to exogenous uniconazole during vegetative growth.[Methods]The effects of different concentrations(20,30,60 and 80 mg/L)of foliar fertilization on stem and leaf growth,chlorophyll and endogenous hormone contents were investigated using dahlia seedlings(cultivar‘Shiwucaiqiu’)cultivated in the open field.[Results]Different concentrations of uniconazole could make dahlia plants dwarf,shorten internodes,increase stem diameter,and deepen leaf color,and the higher the application concentration,the more significant the effects.Compared with the control group,the relative contents of chlorophyll(SPAD value)in various treatment groups increased,the contents of endogenous GA_(3) and IAA decreased,and the contents of ABA increased.Among them,the contents of IAA and ABA also showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing.[Conclusions]The results indicated that uniconazole could affect the growth of stems and leaves and plant type by regulating photosynthetic pigments and the levels of endogenous hormones in dahlia,and good dwarfing effect and ornamental value could be obtained under the condition of foliar application concentration of 30 mg/L.This study provides a new experimental basis for the cultivation and application of dahlia.

Relationship Between Changes of Endogenous Hormone in Sweet Potato Under Water Stress and Variety Drought-resistance

The IAA, GA3, iPA, ZR and ABA contents in sweet potato leaves under drought conditions were determined by the method of ELISA, and the relationship between these endogenous hormones and drought resistance of different sweet potato varieties were studied. The results showed the IAA, GA3, iPA and ZR contents in sweet potato leaves decreased, but ABA contents increased obviously. The stronger the drought resistance of the variety was, the more IAA, GA3, iPA and ZR contents decreased and the less ABA contents increased. Their relative contents correlated significantly negatively(r were -0.9070, -0.9493, -0.9509, -0.8674 and -0.9117 respectively)to drought-resistability.

Characteristics of Endogenous Hormone Variations in the Roots of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Cultivars of Different Fall Dormancies During Spring Regrowth Stage

Regrowth traits of alfalfa （Medicago sativa L.） in spring are closely related to its fall dormancy before winter. In order to determine the relationship between fall dormancy （FD） grade and hormone variation pattern and provide academic references for the variety improvement and production of alfalfa, the variations of gibberellins （GA3）, indole-3-acetic acid （IAA）, and abscisic acid （ABA） in alfalfa roots during regrowth period in spring were examined by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. The study involved seven alfalfa cultivars that belonged to four fall dormant grades, i.e., 2, 4, 6, and 8. The results showed that the differences in spring regrowth among the alfalfa cultivars were partially associated with their root hormone levels. The alfalfa cultivars that belonged to the same dormancy grades presented similar variation trends in endogenous hormone content in their roots during the spring regrowth stage. At the early regrowth stage, cultivars with a higher dormant grade had a higher GA3 concent and a lower ABA content in their roots than the cultivars with a lower dormant grade; and IAA content in roots of non- and semi-fall dormancy cultivars was higher than that of fall dormancy cultivars. During the whole period of spring regrowth, the root ABA content of fall dormancy alfalfa cultivar is significantly higher than those of semi- and non-fall dormancy cultivars. GA3 contents in the roots of all cultivars under study showed a double-peak dynamic curve; root IAA contents of the studied cultivars presented a downward trend. But the trend did not significantly differed among the different fall dormant cultivars. The higher GA3 content and lower ABA content in root of non-fall dormancy alfalfa lead to its earlier regrowth. Regrowth time and rate of alfalfa can be regulated by exogenous GA3 or ABA at the early regrowth stage to meet producing requirement.

Endogenous Hormone Concentration in Developing Tuberous Roots of Different Sweet Potato Genotypes

A field trial was conducted to investigate the changes of endogenous hormone concentration （EHC） during formation and thickening of tuberous roots in sweet potato （Ipomoea batatas L.） of different genotypes： Xushu 18, Minamiyutaka, and L trifida-K123. The results of this study suggested that the concentrations of zeatin riboside （ZR）, dihydro-zeatin riboside （DHZR）, abscisic acid （ABA）, indole-3-acetic acid （IAA）, and isopentenyl-adenine （IPA） of Xushu 18 and Minamiyutaka were significantly higher than those of I. trifida-K123. Dry tuberous root yields were positively correlated with the concentration of ABA, ZR, and DHZR at 1 or 5% significant level, but were not obviously correlated with the concentrations of IAA, IPA, and GA4. The concentrations of ABA, ZR and DHZR played very important roles in the tuberous root formation and thickening in sweet potato. The concentrations of ZR, DHZR, ABA, and IAA in the upper or inner portion of tuberous roots were significantly higher than those toward the end of the root or its outer portion. Meanwhile, EHC of large-sized tuberous roots were significantly higher than those of medium- or small-sized tubers during the early thickening period. In the rapid thickening period of tuberous roots, EHC of medium-sized tubers were the highest, However, at the late-thickening period, EHC of small-sized tubers ranked the highest.

Integrated agronomic practices management improved grain formation and regulated endogenous hormone balance in summer maize (Zea mays L.)

Compared with single agronomic practices management during grain formation, knowledge about integrated agronomic practices management on grain-filling characteristics and physiological function of endogenous hormones was limited. In order to clarify this issue, two field experiments, integrated agronomic practices management(IAPM), T1(local conventional cultivation practices), T2(an optimized combination of cropping systems and fertilizer treatment), T3(treatment based on high-yield studies), and T4(further optimized combination of cropping systems and fertilizer treatment), and nitrogen rate testing(NAT)(four nitrogen rates, 0, 129.0, 184.5, and 300.0 kg N ha–1) were performed with summer maize hybrid Zhengdan 958(ZD958). Results showed that with increased nitrogen rate, the endogenous hormone balance was promoted and the grain-filling characteristics were improved sufficiently to resulting in a significant increase in grain yield. However, the grain-filling characteristics deteriorated and yield was reduced with excessive nitrogen fertilization. However, IAPM could promote hormone balance and improve grain filling characteristic. The indole-3-acetic acid(IAA), zeatin riboside(ZR), and gibberellin(GA3) contents under T2 and T4 treatments were higher and the abscisic acid(ABA) content was lower, and the ZR and GA3 contents under T3 were higher than those under T1. Those resulted in the maximum grain-filling rate(Wmax) and the active grain-filling period(P) under T2, T3 and T4 were significantly increased than those under T1, and hence promoted kernel weight and grain yield. So IAPM promoted hormone balance by improving tillage model, optimizing fertilizer rate and fertilization period, appropriately increasing planting density and delaying harvest, which promoted grain filling rate and lengthened active grain-filling period, finally increased grain yield.

The Causes of Dormancy and the Changes of Endogenous Hormone Content in Cephalotaxus sinensis Seeds

In many wild species, seeds are dormancy at maturity and will not germinate even under favorable environment conditions. Dormancy is a complex trail that is determined by many factors. Some studies have shown that cold stratification and the application of gibberellic acid (GA) can break seed dormancy and promote seed germination. The present study investigated the causes of plant dormancy and the effect of cold stratification and different concentrations of exogenous GA3 in regulating Cephalotaxus sinensis seed germination. Results showed that C. Sinensis seeds have good water permeability, which suggested that seed coats were not the main cause that inhibited the seed germination. There were germination inhibitions in all parts of seeds, and the order of inhibitory effect was: testa < endosperm (embryo), which indicated that existence of germination inhibitions was the main reason causing seed dormancy. Endogenous GAs and IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) content increased, while ABA (abscisic acid) content decreased over the experiments. ZR (zeatin riboside) content decreased in the early phase of cold stratification, but rebounded by the end of the experimental period. The changes of endogenous hormone indicated that GA, IAA and ZR played a positive role in seed germination, whereas ABA was associated with seed dormancy. Besides, the relative ratio of GA/ABA, IAA/ABA and ZR/ABA may play a more important role than their absolute level during the seed development.

Relationship Between Changes in Leaf Endogenous Hormone Contents and Senescence During Grain Filling Stage of a Rice Hybrid and its Parents

A major problem in hybrid rice production is the occurrence of leaf senescence during the grain filling stage that can result in reduction of yield. Changes in contents of several endogenous hormones are related to leaf senescence. The relationship between endogenous hormones and leaf senescence in the rice hybrid Tiyou 418 and its parents Tijin and C418, was undertaken for investigation. Indicators of leaf senescence, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and chlorophyll content, as well as the contents of abscisic acid (ABA), zeatin riboside (ZR), gibberellin (GA1/3) and auxin (IAA) in the leaves were determined. Different rates of leaf senescence were observed in the three materials. Senescence occurred earliest and fastest in Tijin, followed by Tiyou 418 and then C418. A similar trend was recorded in ABA, ZR, and IAA contents during the grain filling stage in the three materials. Changes in (GA1/3+ZR+IAA)/ABA ratios were also similar, being quite stable during the early stage of leaf senescence, and decreasing markedly during the late stage. The ratio declined more dramatically in Tijin, in accordance with its faster leaf senescence. The results suggest that the ratio of (GA1/3+ZR+IAA)/ABA regulates chlorophyll content, SOD activity, MDA content and membrane lipid peroxidation. It is postulated that endogenous hormones may play a role in the regulation of leaf senescence in a systematic way.