Effects of Indol-3yl acetic Acid on Floral Induction and Apical Differentiation in Chenopodium rubrum L.

Indol-3yl acetic acid (10^–4M) was applied to the plumulesof Chenopodium rubrum. Effects on the anatomical structure andthe growth pattern in the apical meristem, as well as DNA synthesisand nucleolus size were investigated. When auxin is applied before or during photoperiodic inductionit inhibits DNA synthesis and meristematic activity. The axillarymeristem (i.e. a group of cells in the axils of the leaf primordia)is most affected. A similar inhibition of the axillary meristemwas also observed in non-induced control plants grown in continuouslight. Auxin applied simultaneously with photoperiodic inductioncounteracts the reduction of apical dominance in the apex andthus inhibits the onset of floral differentiation. Auxin appliedfollowing induction inhibits the previously-formed buds andmakes possible a more complete development of the apical flower. The dual effect of IAA on flowering, inhibitory and stimulatory,manifests itself as a growth response at different stages ofthe changing shoot apex.