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2.9.3.4 Abscisic acid<br />

Literature review<br />

Abscisic acid is rarely used in tissue culture protocols and has a negative effect on<br />

growth in most cases (PIERIK, 1997). It is mainly used in plant tissue culture to<br />

facilitate somatic embryo maturation (GABA, 2004) but may also be used in some<br />

regeneration processes and rarely used to produce somatic embryos (GABA, 2004).<br />

ABA induces the formation <strong>of</strong> essential LEA (late embryogenesis abundant) proteins<br />

found at late stages <strong>of</strong> embryogenesis in somatic and sexual embryos (GABA, 2004).<br />

LEA proteins are associated with tolerance to water stress resulting from desiccation<br />

and cold shock (GOYAL et al., 2005).<br />

2.9.3.5 Ethylene<br />

Ethylene or physiological reactions similar to that caused by ethylene, is produced by<br />

certain plastic containers, plant tissue and as a result <strong>of</strong> fire (PIERIK, 1997). This is<br />

the only gaseous natural plant growth regulator and it is naturally produced by all<br />

plant tissues in a controlled fashion (GABA, 2004). Endogenously produced ethylene<br />

can accumulate in a closed vessel to levels that negatively affect plant growth and<br />

development (PIERIK, 1997). The biological effect <strong>of</strong> ethylene depends on how air-<br />

tight the vessel is and the sensitivity <strong>of</strong> the plant material (GABA, 2004).<br />

Ethylene is primarily known for its effects on fruit ripening (GABA, 2004). Exposure to<br />

ethylene also results in reduced stem length, restricted leaf growth, premature leaf<br />

senescence and may cause increased growth <strong>of</strong> axillary buds (GABA, 2004). An<br />

enhanced ethylene concentration can induce callus formation, while inhibiting bud<br />

and shoot regeneration (GABA, 2004). Low concentrations <strong>of</strong> ethylene stimulate<br />

somatic embryogenesis, while high concentrations <strong>of</strong> ethylene inhibit somatic<br />

embryogenesis (GABA, 2004). Explants need a low level <strong>of</strong> ethylene for correct<br />

biological functioning, but too high an ethylene concentration leads to symptoms <strong>of</strong><br />

excess (GABA, 2004).<br />

Such symptoms <strong>of</strong> excess include stunted growth, a reduction in leaf size and leaf<br />

drop (PIERIK, 1997; NOWAK & PRUSKI, 2002). These plants do not acclimatise well<br />

to the in vivo environment and <strong>of</strong>ten desiccate shortly after being transferred to soil<br />

(NOWAK & PRUSKI, 2002).<br />

72

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