Interaction of Boron with Components of Nucleic Acid Metabolism in Cotton Ovules Cultured in Vitro

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) ovules grown in a defined nutrient medium undergo normal morphogenesis, including fiber production. In identical medium lacking boron, ovules callus and accumulate brown substances. Boron deficiency-like symptoms were induced by 6-azauracil and 6-azauridine in ovules growing in boron-sufficient media. Other nucleoside base analogs either reduced or had no effect on over-all growth, but did not cause typical boron-deficient callus growth of cotton ovules. Orotic acid and uracil countered the effects of 6-azauracil. Actinomycin D, fluorodeoxyuridine, and ethidium bromide reduced not only fiber production on ovules growing in boron-sufficient media but also callusing of ovules in boron-deficient media.Similarities between symptoms of boron deficiency and 6-azauracil injury, and the ability of uracil to suppress both, suggest that boron deficiency symptoms are related to reduced activity in the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. Growth inhibition by most nucleoside base analogs tested, actinomycin D, fluorodeoxyuridine, and ethidium bromide, as compared to callusing brought on by boron deficiency and 6-azauracil, indicates that boron deficiency symptoms are not related to a reduction in nucleic acid biosynthesis. Based on this information, a discussion of the possibility that boron deficiency causes reduced synthesis of UDP-glucose is presented.