Gravistimulus direction, ethylene production and shoot elongation in the release of apical dominance in Pharbitis nil

Abstract

Release of apical dominance can be induced in Pharbitis nil by the inversion of the upper shoot. This promotion of outgrowth of the highest lateral bud adjacent to the bend of the stem appears to be mediated by ethylene inhibition of growth of the inverted main shoot. In the present investigation the existence of a direct correlation between ethylene evolution and the direction of gravistimulus is demonstrated as well as an inverse correlation between ethylene production by the inverted upper shoot and its elongation. An inverse correlation also exists between elongation of the inverted upper shoot and the outgrowth of the highest lateral bud if the lower portion of the shoot (below the bend) is oriented in an upright position. The patent period for shoot-inversion induction of ethylene production is about 2 h. These results support the hypothesis of indirect ethylene control of apical dominance release by retardation of elongation of the inverted shoot.