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Molybdenum deficiency in wheat results in lower dormancy levels via reduced ABA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2008

A. T. Modi
Affiliation:
Department of Agronomy, University of Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209Republic of South Africa
A. L. P. Cairns*
Affiliation:
Department of Agronomy, University of Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209Republic of South Africa
*
*Correspondence

Abstract

Wheat which was grown in acid-washed sand and irrigated with a molybdenum-free nutrient solution was treated with various concentrations of molybdenum (Mo) as a foliar spray at the flag leaf stage. At maturity, dormancy levels and abscisic acid (ABA) content of the seed were determined. Seed dormancy and ABA content increased with increasing rates of Mo application. In a field experiment, wheat (cv. SST 66) was treated with 100 ppm Mo by foliar application at the flag leaf stage. Embryos were tested for sensitivity to exogenously applied ABA. Embryos from Mo-treated plants showed enhanced sensitivity to ABA-induced inhibition of germination. The Mo application also resulted in significantly higher levels of endogenous ABA and Mo in the seeds. It is postulated that Mo deficiency leads to a lack of dormancy in wheat via reduced synthesis of ABA.

Type
Research Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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