ISSN:
1399-3054
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abscisic acid (ABA) is thought to play a role in inhibiting or aborting kernel growth during water deficit. To test the responsiveness of early endosperm development to ABA concentrations, cylinders containing (±)ABA in a buffered agar medium were applied to the apical pericarp surface of kernels on intact, well-watered maize (Zea mays L. cv. Pioneer Brand 3925) plants from 5 to 11 days after pollination (DAP). Endosperm nuclei were analyzed by flow cytometry to assess effects on cell division and endoreduplication. ABA treatments of ≥ 100 µM substantially decreased endosperm cell numbers and fresh weight accumulation, but did not affect average cell size. ABA at ≥ 300 µM decreased the proportion of nuclei in the size classes ≥ 12C, indicating that the rate of transition to endoreduplication status was inhibited, and decreased the progressive advance from 12C to 24C to 48C, indicating that the rate of S-phase cycling of endoreduplicating cells was inhibited. We conclude that cell division was more responsive to ABA concentrations than were endoreduplication or cell expansion growth.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1399-3054.1998.1040215.x
