Effect of root zone carbon dioxide enrichment on ethylene inhibition of carbon assimilation in potato plants

Abstract

Potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L. var. Russet Burbank) treated with 1 μl ethylene 1−1 of air showed an inhibition of CO2 assimilation by 18%. The inhibition occurred after 3 h of exposure to ethylene and was not mediated through closure of the stomata. The enrichment of the root zone with CO2 almost completely abolished the ethylene inhibition of CO2 assimilation which was apparently due to an increase in the intercellular concentration of CO2 in leaves following enrichment. The effect of application of CO2 to the root zone on ethylene inhibition of CO2 assimilation seemed to last for a few days. Potato plants treated with aminoethoxyvinlglycine (AVG) showed an increase in fresh and dry weight as compared to non‐treated plants. Our results indicate that both CO2 and AVG alter the effect of ethylene and promote growth in plants by inhibiting ethylene action and biosynthesis, respectively.