The Cytokinin Content in Needles of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) with Different Degrees of Damage

1991

3 Abb., 26 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

5818

200050682

In order to check for relations between tree damage and changes in plant hormone concentrations the cytokinins t-zeatin, t-zeatin riboside, isopentenyladenine and isopentenyladenosine were examined. Needles of young and old spruce from forest plantations showing different degrees of novel forest decline were analysed using chromatographic prepurification, HPLC-separation and quantification by means of an indirect competitive enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. One year time course analyses revealed strongly elevated concentrations of t-zeatin riboside and isopentenyladenosine in diseased trees throughout the whole year. Annual mean values for the cytokinin ribosides in 1-year-old needles of old spruce were: heavily damaged - t-zeatin riboside 371, isopentenyladenosine 914; slightly damaged - 42, 202 (respectively, in pmol/g dry weight). The developed ELISA may be used as a diagnostic tool to detect changes in the health of trees not detectable by conventional methods.