Endogenous gibberellins in immature seeds of Prunus persica L.: identification of GA 118, GA 119, GA 120, GA 121, GA 122 and GA 126

Abstract

The endogenous gibberellins in immature seeds of Prunus persica were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Eleven known gibberellins, GA 3, GA 9, GA 17, GA 19, GA 30, GA 44, GA 61, GA 63, GA 87, GA 95 and GA 97 were identified. Additionally, several hitherto unknown gibberellins were detected and their putative structures were verified by synthesis of the authentic gibberellins. These gibberellins were then assigned trivial numbers, e.g. 1 α-hydroxy GA 20 (GA 118), 1 α-hydroxy GA 9 (GA 119), 1,2-didehydro GA 9 (GA 120), 1,2-didehydro GA 70 (GA 121), 1,2-didehydro GA 69 (GA 122) and 1,2-didehydro GA 77 (GA 126). GA 118 and GA 119 were the first 1 α-hydroxy gibberellins identified from higher plants. The above profile of 1,2-didehydro gibberellins suggests that 1,2-dehydrogenation might occur prior to 3 β-hydroxylation in biosynthesis of GA 3, GA 30 and GA 87 in immature seeds of P. persica.