Basipetal Direction Research Articles

Temperature and Daylength Effects on Growth and Floral Initiation in Biennial-Fruiting Blackberry

Little is known about the environmental control of growth and flower bud initiation (FBI) in commercial blackberries. We studied the processes in the cultivars ‘Lock Ness’, ’Ouachita’ and ‘Sweet Royalla’ at 12, 16 and 20 °C in a daylight phytotron under naturally decreasing autumn daylength at Ås, Norway (59°40′ N). Growth rate increased with increasing temperature but was much lower at all temperatures in the erect ‘Ouachita’ than in the trailing cultivars ‘Lock Ness’ and ‘Sweet Royalla’. In all cultivars, FBI occurred earliest at 16 °C, whereas little or no FBI took place in ‘Ouachita’ and ‘Lock Ness’ at 12 °C. Growth cessation was earliest at 16 °C where it occurred in early September in all cultivars, suggesting a critical daylength of approximately 14 h. At variance from earlier statements, FBI started in lateral buds situated several nodes below the apex and progressed in both acropetal and basipetal directions as previously reported for red raspberry. Winter chill at 0 °C enhanced flowering in spring in marginally induced plants of all cultivars except ‘Ouachita’ grown at 12 °C, which remained vegetative in spring. The results suggest that temperature is as important as daylength for FBI in biennial-fruiting blackberry, and that winter chilling may enhance flowering and yield potential in partially induced plants.

Microstructural features of generative and vegetative organs of Allium ponticum growing in Georgia

The aim of the study is to determine diagnostic characteristics based on the study of the macro- and microstructural characteristics of the generating and vegetative organs of Allium ponticum Micscz ex Grossh. Bilateral epidermis of leaves of A. ponticum has identical structure. Paracytic type of stomatas are concentrated on the narrowed edge of cells of leaf epidermis. Vascular bundle of collateral type. The protective tissue of the stem is cutinized, the epidermis is one-line, the outer periclinary wall of epidermal cells is powerfully thickened. In the epidermis, slightly submerged stomatas are differentiated. The leaf is abundantly equipped with collateral-type vascular bundle of different diameters. The flower is a round, hemisphere, frequent-flowered umbrella. Basal cells of the epidermis of the filament are characterized by straight or indirect tilt of elongated, linear periclinal walls. The bulb is well developed, free. It is spherical-oval in shape, its shell is almost leathery. On the panorama of the texture of the cross section of the bulb, in the basipetal direction, tendency of differentiation of fibrous root system is manifested.

FEATURES OF MICROELEMENTS AND LOW-MOLECULAR WEIGH ANTIOXIDANTS ACCUMULATION IN PLANTS OFTHE GENUS ROSA L.

Wild roses are an important group of plants used as row material for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. The aim of this study was to determine the microelements (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Cd) content and distribution in the aboveground and underground parts of the Rosa acicularis, R. davurica, R. rugosa, growing in Baikal region. It was found that R. rugosa plants are characterized by a higher Cu content and a low level of Mn; the hips of these plants also accumulate Fe, Zn, and Co. In the sepals, leaves, stems and roots of R. davurica the highest concentrations of Fe are noted, and in the vegetative and generative organs of R. acicularis – Cr. Transport of Zn, Cu, Ni in aboveground parts of plants is mainly acropetal, the remaining elements translocation in basipetal direction. Cd belongs to the elements of strong accumulation in plants of all three species, in addition, species-specific features of some elements accumulation in aboveground and underground organs are revealed. It was found that the fruits, leaves, and stems of Rosa acicularis and Rosa rugosa can serve as a potential source of Mn, Cr, and Co.

Methyl jasmonate induces leaf senescence of Ginkgo biloba L.: relevance to endogenous levels of plant hormones

Methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) applied to the abaxial side of the middle of leaf blade on the beginning of September extremely induced leaf senescence in Ginkgo biloba; three weeks after the treatment the leaves disappeared chlorophylls and became yellow, while the control leaves remained still green. Contrarily JA-Me applied to the adaxial side of leaves affected little to induce senescence. When JA-Me was treated on the abaxial side of a half of leaf blade across to the vein, the yellowing widely took place both in acropetal and basipetal directions along vein, but no yellowing was visible in the non-treated half. On the other hand, when JA-Me was applied to the abaxial side of a half of leaf blade along to the vein, yellowing was observed only in both sides of a small area along to the applied area, and little yellowing was visible in the neighboring lateral tissues. JA-Me treatment on the abaxial side of leaf blade greatly increased the levels of JA-Me and jasmonic acid in leaf blade and petiole. Endogenous abscisic acid levels substantially increased during natural and JA-Me-induced leaf senescence, but 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid levels did not change. The contents of cytokinins, gibberellins and auxins identified changed little during natural and JA-Me-induced leaf senescence. These suggest that a cooperative crosstalk between JAs and various hormonal signals, especially abscisic acid, occurs in regulation of G. biloba leaf senescence. Possible different action of JA-Me applied to the abaxial and the adaxial sides of the leaves on leaf senescence is discussed.

Bidirectional colonization and biofilm formation by Erwinia psidii in eucalypt plants

AbstractDieback and wilt caused by Erwinia psidii is an emerging disease that has been causing considerable damage in eucalypt plantations. Because it is a recently emerged disease, several aspects of the bacterial interaction with its host still remain to be elucidated. In this work, we studied the E. psidii colonization and biofilm formation in eucalypt tissues by specific detection using PCR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the bacterium is able to translocate in stem tissue mainly acropetally, although movement in the basipetal direction was also observed to a lesser extent, always through the xylem. No colonization of phloem tissues was observed. In addition to colonizing the xylem, E. psidii colonized the parenchymatous tissue. The bacterium formed cell aggregates enveloped by fibrillar material that evolved into complex, well‐structured biofilms in stem and leaf tissues. In contrast, no biofilm formation was observed on abiotic surfaces. These observations suggest that biofilm formation plays an important role in the elicitation of dieback and wilt symptoms caused by E. psidii on eucalypt plants. This study not only shows ultrastructural aspects of the E. psidii communities but also tissue damage in eucalypt plants that was associated with the presence of bacterial aggregates and formation of tyloses.

Paclobutrazol Boost up for Fruit Production: A review

Paclobutrazol (PBZ), a triazole derivative, has been effectively used to induce and manipulate 􀏐flowering, fruiting, and tree vigor in several perennial fruit crops. Soil application of paclobutrazol has been ef􀏐efficacious in promoting 􀏐lowering and increasing yield in many fruit crops. However, there are some con􀏐licting reports on its impact on fruit quality parameters. Besides reducing gibberellins level, PBZ increases cytokinin contents, root activity and C: N ratio, whereas its in􀏐luence on nutrient uptake lacks consistency. The ability of the crops to produce fruits throughout the year is of great interest in recent years. Usually, it is applied as a soil application in the month of September-November in the case of mango. It inhibits gibberellins biosynthesis at the kaurene stage and has proved to be a reduction of vegetative growth, promising for 􀏐lower initiation in shoot bud, giving early and profuse 􀏐lowering, increases fruit yield and improving quality regularly in alternate bearing cultivars. The main aim of this review is to focus upon contemporary information about paclobutrazol in fruit production. The persistence of culture in orchard soil for a long time and its half-life varies with soil type and climatic conditions, which may severely affect the development of subsequent crops and moved rapidly between the shoot tips and basal nodes both in the acropetal and basipetal directions and persisted for several months. The potential of PBZ to contaminate groundwater at optimum concentrations is low however the risk of its exposure to aquatic life is high. PBZ is considered moderately hazardous for human beings with remote chance of being genotoxic and carcinogenic. In view of the above, optimized use of the PBZ to derive maximum bene􀏐it with the least undesirable impact on food and environmental safety aspects are suggested.

Nonstereoselective foliar absorption and translocation of cycloxaprid, a novel chiral neonicotinoid, in Chinese cabbage

Exploring traditional neonicotinoid pesticides substitutes has become one of the global scientific attentions because of their hazardous environmental impacts. Cycloxaprid (CYC) is considered to be a promising candidate alternative. But the environmental behaviors and fate of CYC in different planting system remain poorly understood. The accumulation of 14C-labeled CYC stereoisomers within different parts of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) was investigated, with a particular focus on the foliar absorption, translocation and stereoselectivity of CYC, during a laboratory trial. In general, the stereoisomers 14C-5R,8S-CYC and 14C-5S,8R-CYC, their metabolites, as well as the breakdown and reaction products can be transferred in both acropetal and basipetal directions. Most of the two stereoisomers absorbed by plants remained in the treated leaves, whereas a small amount was distributed to the roots. The amount of 14C in the stalks varied among the experimental time points. At 192 h after treatment (HAT), the detected radioactivity of both 14C-5R,8S-CYC and 14C-5S,8R-CYC in the leaves above the treated leaf (LATL) was higher than that in the leaves below the treated leaf (LBTL). However, the stereoisomers of CYC underwent nonstereoselective absorption and translocation in this trial. This information implies that racemic CYC and its metabolites should be a main research focus. Thus, the obtained results provide implications for a more accurate prediction about the risk assessment of CYC, which will be helpful for guiding its rational use as well as securing the ecological environment safety and human health.

Bidirectional Propagation of Signals and Nutrients in Fungal Networks via Specialized Hyphae

Intercellular distribution of nutrients and coordination of responses to internal and external cues via endogenous signaling molecules are hallmarks of multicellular organisms. Vegetative mycelia of multicellular fungi are syncytial networks of interconnected hyphae resulting from hyphal tip growth, branching, and fusion. Such mycelia can reach considerable dimensions and, thus, different parts can be exposed to quite different environmental conditions. Our knowledge about the mechanisms by which fungal mycelia can adjust nutrient gradients or coordinate their defense response to fungivores is scarce, in part due to limitations in technologies currently available for examining different parts of a mycelium over longer time periods at the microscopic level. Here, we combined a tailor-made microfluidic platform with time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to visualize the dynamic response of the vegetative mycelium of a basidiomycete to two different stimuli. The microfluidic platform allows simultaneous monitoring at both the colony and single-hypha level. We followed the dynamics of the distribution of a locally administered nutrient analog and the defense response to spatially confined predation by a fungivorous nematode. Although both responses of the mycelium were constrained locally, we observed long-distance propagation for both the nutrient analog and defense response in a subset of hyphae. This propagation along hyphae occurred in both acropetal and basipetal directions and, intriguingly, the direction was found to alternate every 3hr in an individual hypha. These results suggest that multicellular fungi have, as of yet, undescribed mechanisms to coordinate the distribution of nutrients and their behavioral response upon attack by fungivores.

Neovascularization during leafy gall formation on Arabidopsis thaliana upon Rhodococcus fascians infection.

Extensive de novo vascularization of leafy galls emerging upon Rhodococcus fascians infection is achieved by fascicular/interfascicular cambium activity and transdifferentiation of parenchyma cells correlated with increased auxin signaling. A leafy gall consisting of fully developed yet growth-inhibited shoots, induced by the actinomycete Rhodococcus fascians, differs in structure compared to the callus-like galls induced by other bacteria. To get insight into the vascular development accompanying the emergence of the leafy gall, the anatomy of infected axillary regions of the inflorescence stem of wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana accession Col-0 plants and the auxin response in pDR5:GUS-tagged plants were followed in time. Based on our observations, three phases can be discerned during vascularization of the symptomatic tissue. First, existing fascicular cambium becomes activated and interfascicular cambium is formed giving rise to secondary vascular elements in a basipetal direction below the infection site in the main stem and in an acropetal direction in the entire side branch. Then, parenchyma cells in the region between both stems transdifferentiate acropetally towards the surface of the developing symptomatic tissue leading to the formation of xylem and vascularize the hyperplasia as they expand. Finally, parenchyma cells in the developing gall also transdifferentiate to vascular elements without any specific direction resulting in excessive vasculature disorderly distributed in the leafy gall. Prior to any apparent anatomical changes, a strong auxin response is mounted, implying that auxin is the signal that controls the vascular differentiation induced by the infection. To conclude, we propose the "sidetracking gall hypothesis" as we discuss the mechanisms driving the formation of superfluous vasculature of the emerging leafy gall.

Imaging of photoassimilates transport in plant tissues by positron emission tomography

AbstractThe current findings show that positron emission tomography (PET), primarily developed for medical diagnostic imaging, can be applied in plant studies to analyze the transport and allocation of wide range of compounds labelled with positronemitting radioisotopes. This work is focused on PET analysis of the uptake and transport of 2-deoxy-2-fluoro[18F]-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG), as a model of photoassimilates, in tissues of giant reed (Arundo donax L. var. versicolor) as a potential energy crop. The absorption of 2-[18F]FDG and its subsequent transport in plant tissues were evaluated in both acropetal and basipetal direction as well. Visualization and quantification of the uptake and transport of 2-[18F]FDG in plants immersed with the root system into a 2-[18F]FDG solution revealed a significant accumulation of 18F radioactivity in the roots. The transport rate in plants was increased in the order of plant exposure through: stem > mechanically damaged root system > intact root system. PET analysis in basipetal direction, when the plant was immersed into the 2-[18F]FDG solution with the cut area of the leaf of whole plant, showed minimal translocation of 2-[18F]FDG into the other plant parts. The PET results were verified by measuring the accumulated radioactivity of18F by direct gamma-spectrometry.

Intercellular translocation of molecules via plasmodesmata in the multiseriate filamentous brown alga, Halopteris congesta (Sphacelariales, Phaeophyceae).

Despite the high number of studies on the fine structure of brown algal cells, only limited information is available on the intercelluar transportation of molecules via plasmodesmata in brown algae. In this study, plasmodesmatal permeability of Halopteris congesta was examined by observing the translocation of microinjected fluorescent tracers of different molecular sizes. The tip region of H.congesta consists of a cylindrical apical cell, while the basal region is multiseriate. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD; 3, 10, and 20kDa) and recombinant green fluorescent protein (27kDa) were injected into the apical cell and were observed to diffuse into the neighboring cells. FD of 40kDa was detected only in the injected apical cell. The plasmodesmatal size exclusion limit was considered to be more than 20kDa and less than 40kDa. The extent of translocation of 3 and 10kDa FD from the apical to neighboring cells 2h postinjection was estimated based on the fluorescence intensity. It was suggested that the diffusing capacity of plasmodesmata varied according to molecular size. In order to examine acropetal and/or basipetal direction of molecular movement, 3 and 10kDa FD were injected into the third cell from the apical cell. Successive observations indicated that the diffusion of fluorescence in the acropetal direction took longer than that in the basipetal direction. No ultrastructural difference in plasmodesmata was noted among the cross walls.

Timing of pollen release and stigma receptivity period of Piper vicosanum: New insights into sexual reproduction of the genus.

Dichogamy is a common characteristic among angiosperms, including Piper species. In this genus, the tiny flowers are morphologically similar and have an asynchronous stamen development. However, there is no information on the duration of stigma receptivity and whether it overlaps with pollen release. To better understand mechanisms of floral function in Piper vicosanum, we provide a detailed characterization of the timing of pollen release from the four stamens and the period of stigma receptivity and exposure mode of the receptive areas. We investigated plants of a natural population in a semideciduous seasonal forest (Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil), based on chemical tests, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Incomplete protogyny-a mechanism that favors outcrossing-was recorded. The period of stigma receptivity was long (14 d), and the sequential exposure and senescence of stigmatic papillae occurred gradually and in a basipetal direction. Pollen release began 2-6 d after the beginning of the pistillate phase, with an average pollen viability of 87.7%, during the bisexual flower phase. Pollen was released for up to 6 d and occurred in one stamen at a time. The fruit set observed in tests of self-pollination indicated self-compatibility. The gradual and sequential exposure of stigmatic papillae in P. vicosanum flowers is described here as the mechanism for the long duration of receptivity. Anther development and pollen release were also sequential. These findings are yet unreported reproductive characteristics of the genus and offer new perspectives for future studies on the floral biology of other Piper species.

Activation of rape (Brassica napus L.) embryo during seed germination. V. The first zones of ultrastructural changes and their expansion

In the germinating rape embryo the columella and basal part of hypocotyl undergo earliest activation. Its first ultrastructural symptom is the appearance of numerous ER vesicles after 3-6 h of seed swelling. Their number is the highest in the external layers of the columella and decreases in basipetal direction. Dermatogen cells in the basal zone of the hypocotyl contain the greatest amount of ER structures, whereas decreasing amounts are found in both directions along the embryo axis and centripetally. Further changes in the ER spread in a similar order. The vesicles merge and form a tubular and plate-like ER. Then, they disappear and are replaced by tubular and vesicular forms. The changes in the ER are gradually followed by ultrastructural symptoms of activation of mitochondria, plastids and dictyosomes. The highest number of ER structures and other organelles accumulate in root cells shortly before piercing of the seed coat. After germination their amount decreases and remains almost stable.

Restoration of cell growth and proliferation in the wheat roots after their inhibition by nickel sulfate

The dynamics of cell growth and proliferation restoration in different tissues and quiescent center (QC) in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling roots and also the differentiation of rhizodermal cells and lateral root initiation after 48-h treatment with 100 μM NiSO4 were studied. Within 24 h after nickel removal from medium, root growth was resumed due to the increase in the rate of cell growth in the meristem and the region where cell elongation started in control roots. Stimulation of cell proliferation was restored in the main part of the meristem and later in the initial cells of the files and QC. Cell proliferation was not observed in the QC. The time of cell proliferation resumption in the roots and in tested tissues depended on the degree of their injury by nickel treatment. In most tested roots, DNA synthesis and cell division were restored in 32 h. In the cells leaving the meristem due to the resumption of their growth and proliferation, growth of root hairs started. In 48 h, the number of roots with perished cells in the rhizodermis in the meristem was sharply increased and the regeneration of the damaged region by the cells of outer cortex was observed. Only after the appearance of root hairs, the cells coming from the meristem started to elongate. In most roots, the formation of the new elongation zone occurred in 56 h. During its formation, the initiation of lateral root primordia was shifted in the basipetal direction. It was concluded that the cessation of cell growth and proliferation under the influence of high concentration of heavy metal (HM) ions is not lethal for the root. At the action of toxic HM concentrations, the plant strategy is the maintenance of meristematic cell capacity for cell growth and proliferation resumption. The cellular mechanism of this capacity maintenance is the transition of meristematic cells from G1 phase to dormancy due to growth inhibition and the inhibition of the transition to DNA synthesis.

Bidirectional Secretions from Glandular Trichomes of Pyrethrum Enable Immunization of Seedlings

Glandular trichomes are currently known only to store mono- and sesquiterpene compounds in the subcuticular cavity just above the apical cells of trichomes or emit them into the headspace. We demonstrate that basipetal secretions can also occur, by addressing the organization of the biosynthesis and storage of pyrethrins in pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) flowers. Pyrethrum produces a diverse array of pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones for plant defense. The highest concentrations accumulate in the flower achenes, which are densely covered by glandular trichomes. The trichomes of mature achenes contain sesquiterpene lactones and other secondary metabolites, but no pyrethrins. However, during achene maturation, the key pyrethrin biosynthetic pathway enzyme chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase is expressed only in glandular trichomes. We show evidence that chrysanthemic acid is translocated from trichomes to pericarp, where it is esterified into pyrethrins that accumulate in intercellular spaces. During seed maturation, pyrethrins are then absorbed by the embryo, and during seed germination, the embryo-stored pyrethrins are recruited by seedling tissues, which, for lack of trichomes, cannot produce pyrethrins themselves. The findings demonstrate that plant glandular trichomes can selectively secrete in a basipetal direction monoterpenoids, which can reach distant tissues, participate in chemical conversions, and immunize seedlings against insects and fungi.

Exit from Proliferation during Leaf Development in Arabidopsis thaliana: A Not-So-Gradual Process

Early leaf growth is sustained by cell proliferation and subsequent cell expansion that initiates at the leaf tip and proceeds in a basipetal direction. Using detailed kinematic and gene expression studies to map these stages during early development of the third leaf of Arabidopsis thaliana, we showed that the cell-cycle arrest front did not progress gradually down the leaf, but rather was established and abolished abruptly. Interestingly, leaf greening and stomatal patterning followed a similar basipetal pattern, but proliferative pavement cell and formative meristemoid divisions were uncoordinated in respect to onset and persistence. Genes differentially expressed during the transition from cell proliferation to expansion were enriched in genes involved in cell cycle, photosynthesis, and chloroplast retrograde signaling. Proliferating primordia treated with norflurazon, a chemical inhibitor of retrograde signaling, showed inhibited onset of cell expansion. Hence, differentiation of the photosynthetic machinery is important for regulating the exit from proliferation.

Seasonal progression of bud dormancy in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) in a Mediterranean climate: A single-node cutting approach

The progression of the dormancy of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) vegetative and reproductive buds in the summer–winter period (June–March) was analysed with the single-node cutting method during two consecutive years in a Mediterranean climate. The progression of the mean time to budbreak (MTB) was studied. Low MTB values were obtained, which show endodormancy intensity under climatic conditions in the South East of Spain only reached a shallow level in apricot. The onset of bud dormancy occurred prior to the advent of chilling accumulation. Although an oscillating pattern on dormancy progression was observed, MTB increased progressively from summer until January and declined rapidly thereafter coinciding with dormancy breaking, although in 2006–2007, maximum endodormancy intensity was observed at beginning of October. Vegetative and reproductive buds showed a similar pattern of seasonal progression of MTB, although after flower differentiation (ca. September) vegetative buds always showed a deeper dormancy than reproductive buds. Autumn and early winter temperatures seem to play a crucial role over dormancy intensity and dormancy progression. A gradient of increasingly deep dormancy from shoot apex to base is suggested by the gradual increment of MTB in a basipetal direction, although it was influenced by the year.

Long term water integration in interconnected ramets of stoloniferous grass, buffalograss

-1 ) water supply; the whole experiment lasted for 91 days. In heterogeneous treatment, water translocation was equally effective in acropetal and basipetal directions. Elder ramet was more efficient in water use, but rooted ramet of elder ramet in moist condition experienced significant cost when it was connected to younger ramet in dry condition; whereas, no cost was found in any fragment of younger donor ramet. Ramet in dry condition produced more biomass than its connected ramet in moist condition and developed larger leaves. This oversharing phenomenon indicated that no net cost was involved in water integration, and water might not be the only resources transported within stolon xylem. Overall, long term water integration is an important strategy for buffalograss to cope with adverse natural drought conditions.

Floral Structure and Organization in Platanaceae

Developing and mature inflorescences and flowers of several representatives of Platanus were studied to clarify various aspects of floral structure and organization. Special attention was given to perianth differentiation. Extant Platanaceae are monoecious with unisexual flowers aggregated into compact, spherical inflorescence heads. Development of hairs in a basipetal direction subdivides the undifferentiated inflorescence surface into floral zones. Development of both male and female flowers of Platanus × hispanica begins with the initiation of a perianth whorl. Thereafter, the reproductive organs emerge on the floral apex: stamens in male flowers, staminodes and carpels in female flowers. The last organs to appear in both sexes are the small organs located between perianth and androecium. At anthesis, in both male and female flowers, organs of the first whorl are inconspicuous, scalelike, and only two to three cell layers thick. Alternating with these first thin organs is a whorl of short but fleshy organs. These second‐whorl organs are basally united with the stamens, forming a short androecial tube. They also show some structural similarities with stamens. These features support the hypothesis that the second‐whorl organs are of androecial (staminodial) origin. This hypothesis is further supported by the fossil record, where, in some taxa, second‐whorl organs are particularly similar to stamens, as well as by morphological comparisons with flowers of Proteaceae.

Ethylene regulates lateral root formation and auxin transport in Arabidopsis thaliana

Lateral root branching is a genetically defined and environmentally regulated process. Auxin is required for lateral root formation, and mutants that are altered in auxin synthesis, transport or signaling often have lateral root defects. Crosstalk between auxin and ethylene in root elongation has been demonstrated, but interactions between these hormones in the regulation of Arabidopsis lateral root formation are not well characterized. This study utilized Arabidopsis mutants altered in ethylene signaling and synthesis to explore the role of ethylene in lateral root formation. We find that enhanced ethylene synthesis or signaling, through the eto1-1 and ctr1-1 mutations, or through the application of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), negatively impacts lateral root formation, and is reversible by treatment with the ethylene antagonist, silver nitrate. In contrast, mutations that block ethylene responses, etr1-3 and ein2-5, enhance root formation and render it insensitive to the effect of ACC, even though these mutants have reduced root elongation at high ACC doses. ACC treatments or the eto1-1 mutation significantly enhance radiolabeled indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) transport in both the acropetal and the basipetal directions. ein2-5 and etr1-3 have less acropetal IAA transport, and transport is no longer regulated by ACC. DR5-GUS reporter expression is also altered by ACC treatment, which is consistent with transport differences. The aux1-7 mutant, which has a defect in an IAA influx protein, is insensitive to the ethylene inhibition of root formation. aux1-7 also has ACC-insensitive acropetal and basipetal IAA transport, as well as altered DR5-GUS expression, which is consistent with ethylene altering AUX1-mediated IAA uptake, and thereby blocking lateral root formation.