Anatomical observations on the influence of morphactin on wood formation of Carpinus betulus L. and Syringa vulgaris L. shoots

Abstract

The effect of morphactin IT 3456 on wood differentiation in Carptinus betulus and Syringa vulgaris was studied. In both species morphactin strongly stimulated production of wood but xylary differentiation was abnormal. Cellular differentiation was altered in that vessels were considerably smaller on transverse section and shorter than normal. Fibers and tracheids were also much ,shorter. It appeared that all cell types were disorientated from their longitudinal axis. It is probable that the effect of morphactin is caused by an inhibition of basipetal auxin transport and by the disturbance of general cell polarity during cambial divisions.