Chlorophyll Formation in the Dark I. Chlorophyll in Pine Seedlings

In black pine (Pinus nigra) chlorophyll was first detected two days after planting of the soaked seeds. There was a slight change in the chlorophyll content between two and five days, then a faster chlorophyll synthesis started. The maximum chlorophyll content was found after 15 days of germination. Thereafter the content showed a gradual decrease. The chlorophyll a/b ratio decreased from 10 at two days to 3 after five days. Protochlorophyllide did not accumulate after 6 days of germination.