Polar transport of [3H]-IAA in apical shoot segments of different apple rootstocks

Summary

The polar transport of [³H]-indole-3-acetic acid in apical shoot segments of clonal apple rootstocks (M.27, M.9, M.26, MM.111 and MM.104) was investigated in the UK using a donor-receptor system. The month in which the experiment was undertaken had a significant influence on the uptake and transport of [³H]-indole-3-acetic acid activity; uptake and transport were greater in June and July (faster extension growth period) than in August (slower extension growth period). Shoot segments from dwarfing rootstocks (M.27 and M.9) showed smaller uptake and less transport of [³H]-indole-3-acetic acid than those from invigorating rootstocks (MM.111 and MM.104). [³H]-indole-3-acetic acid was transported to the agar receptors through shoot segments from all the rootstocks in June and July; those from dwarfing rootstocks showing lower levels of transport than those from invigorating ones. However, in August, [³H]-indole-3-acetic acid activity from the agar receptors was detected only from shoot segments of invigorating rootstocks, which continued to produce extension growth slowly, when dwarfing rootstocks had already ceased shoot extension growth. These results are discussed with reference to the effects of apple rootstocks on the size of scions.