The production of ethylene by plants determined by means of paper chromatography

Ethylene was collected in methanol solution of mercuric acetate and the addition compound formed was then separated by means of paper chromatography. The spot area and colour intensity after detection were determined using a densitometer. The amount of collected ethylene was calculated from a calibration curve. The ethylene liberated from plant samples was collected during one or two days. During this period the amputation of the whole plant organs did not influence ethylene production. Changes in ethylene production were found after segmentation of the tissue or after the treatment with auxin and Co²⁺ ions. The above-ground parts of investigated herbs released 0.3 to 3.5 μl of ethylene per kg fresh weight per hour. The leaves of investigated trees released 1 to 20 μl of ethylene per kg f.w. per hour. The rate of the production of ethylene seems to be specific for a given species.