Endogenous levels of abscisic acid,indole-3-acetic acid and benzyladenine during in vitro bud growth induction of Wild cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Levels of endogenous growth substances (abscisic acid: ABA; indole-3-acetic acid: IAA) and applied benzyladenine (BA) were quantified during the eight first days of in vitro propagation of Wild Cherry (Prunus avium L.). Axillary buds from the middle part of the explants started to grow at day 2, thus were released from apical dominance. Hormone levels were measured in the apical, median and basal parts of the explants using an avidin-biotin based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after a purification of the extracts by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All hormones showed rapid and considerable changes during the first eight days of growth. Exogenous IBA was probably transformed into IAA mainly in the basal part of the explant, and BA penetrated quickly. ABA levels were transiently enhanced in the apical part of the explants bearing young leaves. These phenomena are discussed in connection with the axillary bud reactivation.