Gibberellin-like Substances from the Developing Banana Fruit

The occurrence of 2 gibberellin-like substances was demonstrated in the developing banana fruit, Musa sapientum, Linn. Chemical and biological evidence led to the tentative identification of the 2 compounds as GA₇ and GA_x (previously isolated from citrus fruits). Support for such identification was obtained from thin layer chromatography, gradient elution column chromatography, spectrofluorometry, the dwarf maize test, and the cucumber hypocotyl test. Significance of the GA_x -designated compound increased since it is believed to occur in the fungus Fusarium moniliforme, Sheld. in addition to 2 different species of higher plants. It does not resemble any of the known gibberellins as far as chromatography is concerned.