Role of ethylene in auxin-induced flower bud formation in tobacco explants

The effect of ethytene on in vitro flower bud formation in thin-layer explants from tobacco pendicels ( Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Samsun) was studied Endogenous ethylene production was stimulated by l-minocyclopropanc-l-carhoxylic acid (ACT), and inhibited by aminoethoxyviny lglycine (AVG). resulting in higher and lower ethylene accumulation. respectively. In the presence of an elevated ethylene concentration, the number of flower buds formed after 7 days of culture in explants was increased, compared with the control. Treatment with AVG or with AgNO₃ which blocks ethylene action resulted in decreased bud numbers after 7 days of culture. A different effect of ethylene was visible after 14 days of culture, when regeneration was complete. Treatment with AgNO₃ led to more bud regeneration, and increasing ethylene concentrations to lower bud numbers. The endogenous production of ethylene was enhanced by high concentrations of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
The inhibitory effect of applied ethylene was almost 100% in explants cultured at low concentrations of NAA (below 1 μ M ). but hardly visible at high concentrations (4.5 μ M ). As a consequence, the optimal NAA concentration shifted to a higher value in the presence of ethylene. These results are interpreted as a reduction in tissue sensitivity to auxin and in regenerative capability by ethylene. The effect of ethylene on auxin action is not exerted at the level of hormone concentration. Neither NAA uptake nor conversion to conjugates was effected by ethylene.