Auxin effectively induces the formation of the secondary abscission zone in Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb. (Crassulaceae)

Abstract

We have found that auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) substantially induces the formation of the secondary abscission zone in stem and petiole explants and in decapitated stem and petiole after excision of blade in intact plants of Bryophyllum calycinum when IAA at a concentration of 0.1% as lanolin paste was applied in the middle of these organs. The secondary abscission zone was formed at a few mm above of the treatment with IAA, and senescence of the part above abscission zone was observed. IAA additionally applied on the top of explants or top of the dacapitated stem or the debladed petiole totally prevented the secondary abscission zone formation and senescence induced by IAA applied in the middle of these organs. Possible mechanisms of the formation of the secondary abscission zone are discussed in terms of the interaction of auxin and ethylene.

Keywords

• Bryophyllum calycinum
• IAA
• indole-3-acetic acid
• petiole
• senescence
• stem