Abscisic acid is correlated with the leaf growth inhibition of four genotypes of maize differing in their response to salinity
Grant R. Cramer and Steve A. Quarrie
Abstract
In this paper we tested the hypothesis that the leaf growth reduction of
salt-stressed maize is regulated by the abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations in
the growing zone of the leaf. Leaf elongation rate (LER) of maize
(Zea mays L.) was rapidly inhibited by salinity (80 mM
NaCl), and the (+)-ABA concentration increased significantly in the
growing zone of the leaf. Upon removal of salinity, ABA concentrations
decreased rapidly in the growing zone and LER increased to control levels.
Four maize genotypes differing in their responses to salinity were compared
over a range of leaf ABA concentrations. (+)-ABA concentrations in the
growing zone of the leaf were highly correlated with LER inhibition for all
four genotypes. However, the sensitivity of LER to leaf ABA concentrations
differed amongst the genotypes. Thus, for each genotype, ABA concentrations in
the growing zone of the leaf were a good predictor of maize LER response to
salinity.
Keywords:
Functional Plant Biology 29(1) 111 - 115
doi:10.1071/PP01131





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