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Comparative Effects Of Gibberellic Acid And N(6)-Benzyladenine On Growth And Development Of Dwarf Watermelon Seedlings, Cheryl Diane Zack

Doctoral Dissertations

Apical applications of 0.2 micrograms N('6)-benzyladenine (BA), a synthetic cytokinin, or 5 micrograms gibberellic acid (GA) significantly enhanced hypocotyl elongation in intact dwarf watermelon seedlings. Accompanying the increase in hypocotyl length was increased expansion of the cotyledons and inhibition of root growth. A study on dry matter partitioning indicated that both hormones caused a preferential mobilization of metabolites from the cotyledons to the hypocotyl at an expense to roots. However, in comparison to untreated or GA-treated seedlings, BA decreased total translocation of metabolites out of the cotyledons. Hormonal effects on water potential of cotyledons and hypocotyls were determined by allowing …