Indoleacetic acid, abscisic acid and phenolic substances during development of hazel leaves

The levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA) and phenolic substances were measured monthly in leaves of hazel ( Corylus avellana L. cv. Negreta) in different stages of development from April till abscission in November. IAA and ABA were quantified by flame ionization detector gas-chromatography (GLC), and the total phenolic content by a colorimetric technique. During spring, IAA levels were the highest, coinciding with the greatest expansion of the leaves; after which IAA gradually decreased as the leaves became older, although minor increases were observed in July-August and November. The ABA level in hazel leaves was low throughout the period of leaf existence, with a maximum in July and a second increase in November, coinciding with the last month in which hazel bears leaves. The phenols of the neutral fraction showed a minimum in May and a pronounced increase in June, remaining at this level during summer and decreasing in November. The acid and alkaline fractions showed a maximum in August, which could be related to the decrease in the growth rate of leaves. The residual fraction remained at a relatively low level until September, increasing rapidly in October and November.