Role of Ethylene in Axillary Shoot Proliferation of Lavandin—Interaction with Benzyladenine and Polyamines

Abstract

The role of ethylene in in vitro axillary proliferation of lavandin (Lavandula officinalis Chaix × Lavandula latifolia Villars) was investigated. Basal ethylene production was modulated by the addition of exogenous growth regulators (BA and polyamines), ethylene precursor (ACC) and inhibitors (AVG and SA). The results indicate that BA action is mediated by ethylene and, furthermore, that ethylene can substitute for BA in shoot proliferation. Among tested polyamines (Put, Spd, Spn) only Put was effective in stimulating both the differentiation process and related ethylene production. Moreover, Put appears to have a regulatory function similar to BA. The data obtained in the present work outline the complexity of axillary budding which is under multihormonal control, ethylene playing an essential role.