Zeatin modulates flower bud development and tocopherol levels in Cistus albidus (L.) plants as they age. (18th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hernández, I.; Miret, J. A.; Van Der Kelen, K.; Rombaut, D.; Van Breusegem, F.; Munné‐Bosch, S.; Hause, B.
• Is Part Of: Plant biology. Volume 17:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 90
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2014-06-18
• Subjects: Botany -- Periodicals; Plants -- genetics -- Periodicals; Plants -- growth & development -- Periodicals; Plant Proteins -- Periodicals; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; 580
• DOI: 10.1111/plb.12207
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1435-8603

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="plb12207-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>In a previous study we showed that <italic>Cistus albidus</italic> (L.) experiences an age‐dependent decay in flower vigour correlated with a decline in <italic>trans</italic>‐zeatin (tZ) levels. In the present study we aimed to establish a causal relationship between these two phenomena. Exogenous tZ applied to plants grown under semi‐controlled conditions did not rescue flower vigour; however, it accelerated flower development, but only in younger individuals. Older plants showed lower tocopherol levels in flower buds, which were restored by exogenous tZ, suggesting that a loss of antioxidant defences may underlie the age‐dependent decay in flower vigour. We conclude that declining tZ levels may not be directly responsible for the age‐associated loss of floral vigour; that tZ modulates the speed of flower development as plants age; and that flower buds alter their sensitivity to tZ as plants age.</p> </abstract>