Photosynthesis and Leaf Water, Carbohydrate, and Hormone Status during Rooting of Stem Cuttings of Acer rubrum

Abstract

Leaf water status, carbohydrate levels, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, ABA, dihydrozeatin riboside (DHZR), and trans-zeatin riboside (ZR) levels were determined in a greenhouse during rooting of stem cuttings of Acer rubrum L. `Red Sunset' taken on 3 Sept. 1987 and 28 May 1988. Leaf water status deteriorated before rooting and improved after root emergence. Leaf carbohydrate concentrations (glucose, sucrose, total soluble sugars, and total carbohydrates) increased until rooting and decreased after rooting, while changes in starch concentrations were trendless. ABA levels increased after insertion of cuttings into the rooting medium, but decreased before rooting. No correlation between timing of rooting and concentrations of the cytokinins ZR or DHZR was observed. Photosynthetic rates during rooting were higher for the Sept. 1987 cuttings and did not decrease to the compensation point as did those for May 1988 cuttings. Low photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance of the cuttings during rooting were associated with water stress. The relationship between photosynthetic rates of such cuttings and cytokinin (CK) or ABA content was unclear. Chemical names used: [S-(Z,E]-5-(1-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-methyl-2, 4-pentadienoic acid (abscisic acid, ABA); 2-methyl-4-(1H-purin-6-ylamino)-2-buten-1-ol (zeatin, Z).