Seasonal variation of abscisic acid in the dormant shoots of Douglas-fir

Abstract

The occurrence of abscisic acid (ABA) in the dormant shoots of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) was confirmed by bioassay, thin-layer chromatography, gas–liquid chromatography, and gas–liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry. Seasonal variation of ABA in the buds, leaves, and stems was then determined using 2-trans-ABA as an internal standard. Concentrations of ABA were highest in the autumn for buds (2.1 μg/g) and needles (0.79 μg/g) and highest in January for stems (0.34 μg/g). The lowest concentrations for all tissues were in February and March, before bud burst. Close correlation of levels of ABA with previously measured physiological evidence of growth and metabolic activity suggests a possible role in the dormancy cycle of Douglas-fir.