Photoperiodic control of endogenous gibberellins in seedlings of Salix pentandra

Abstract

In the temperate‐zone woody species Salix pentandra elongation growth is regulated by the photoperiod. Long days sustain active growth, whereas short days induce cessation of apical growth, which is a prerequisite for winter hardening. It is shown that this is correlated to quantitative changes in levels of endogenous GA19 GA20, and GA1. Within two short days the amount of the active GA1 and its immediate precursor GA20, decreased markedly in young leaves us well as in stem tissue. Also, the amount of GA19, declined, but the decrease was delayed relative to that of GA1 and GA20. The ability of S. pentandra seedlings to respond to exogenous GA19, decreased with increasing numbers of short days. Observations that support the hypothesis that the level of GA1 in S. pentandra is regulated by the photoperiod in a quantitative mode with conversion of GA19, to GA20, being one target for control.Different distribution of GAs in various plant parts was observed. The level of GA was higher in young leaves than in other plant parts, and the amount of GA19 was 5–10 times higher in stem tissue than in leaves and roots. The ratios of GA8 to GA1 and GA20, were higher in roots as compared with other parts, as rods contained very low levels of GA1 and GA20, but amounts of GA20 comparable with other parts.