ISSN:
1573-5087
Keywords:
Cuscuta reflexa
;
Vicia faba
;
nutrient transfer
;
auxins
;
cytokinins
;
gibberellins
;
abscisic acid
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Summary The mechanism of parasitism of Cuscuta, especially the absorption of nutrients from its host, is not clear. As it might be connected with the function of plant hormones, the endogenous levels of all hormone groups in the parasite, Cuscuta reflexa, and its host, Vicia faba, were investigated. Since the content of auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins is higher in the host than in the parasite, there is no indication that any of these phytohormones is involved in the absorption of nutrients by Cuscuta. However, the content of growth inhibitors, especially free abscisic acid, is much higher in Cuscuta than in the host. There is a gradient of abscisic acid with a maximum in the basal, haustoria-bearing stem region in which the transfer of nutrients from host to parasite occurs. The high content of abscisic acid within the parasite may be a causal connection with the parasitic absorption of nutrients from host sieve tubes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00024856
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