Modification of pH of latex cytoplasm by ethylene

In the absence of glycolytic activity the pH of isolated latex cytoplasm of Hevea brasiliensis increases progressively during the first hours of incubation. This increase is greatly enhanced after bark treatment with 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid. The process of alkalization is not enzymic and is oxygen dependent. This observation is discussed in relation to the increase in latex pH in situ under hormone action.