Polypheolic auxin protectors in buds of juvenile and adult chestnut

Abstract

Both qualitative and quantitative estimates of the relative amounts of several poly‐phenols in buds of juvenile and adult plants of chestnut ( Castanea sativa x C. crenata ) were carried out. In buds of both types of plants, chesnatin, crenatin, cretanin and (+)‐catechin were identified. Crenatin and cretanin showed inhibitory activity of peroxidase‐catalysed indoleacetic acid oxidation. Auxin protection capacity was greater in extracts of the juvenile tissues which also were richer in active phenols. The phenolic content and its possible relationship to the easier establishment in vitro of juvenile tissue is discussed.