Ethylene Production and 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Conjugation in Thermoinhibited <i>Cicer arietinum</i> L. Seeds

Abstract

The effect of supraoptimal temperatures (30 degrees C, 35 degrees C) on germination and ethylene production of Cicer arietinum (chick-pea) seeds was measured. Compared with a 25 degrees C control, these temperatures inhibited both germination and ethylene production. The effect of supraoptimal temperatures could be alleviated by treating the seeds with ethylene. It was concluded that one effect of high temperature on germination was due to its negative effect on ethylene production. This inhibitory effect of high temperature was due to increased conjugation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid to 1-(malonylamino)cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and to an inhibition of ethylene-forming enzyme activity.