Changes in endogenous gibberellin activity during winter dormancy in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)

Changes in gibberellin (GAs) activities were determined in tea shoots during winter dormancy and subsequent to dormancy release. Free GA-like activity was extremely low at the initiation of dormancy and remained so during the dormancy period. Conjugated GA-like activity (ficin hydrolyzable and β-glucosidase hydrolyzable compounds) remained high during the dormancy period. With an increase in free GA activity, conjugated GA activity decreased in tea shoots prior to dormancy release. The possible role of free and conjugated GAs in dormancy and following its release is discussed in relation to winter dormancy in tea shoots. IHBT Communication number 9846