Effect of Benzyladenine and Hydroxybenzyladenosine on Gas Exchange of Bean and Sugar Beet Leaves

Abstract

Using bean seedlings, the effects of benzyladenine (BA) on stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), and net photosynthetic rate (PN) were examined in order to find out dose and time responses. In bean seedlings, BA appli roots in concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 20 µM increased gs and PN of leaves already 1 h after application. E was not markedly affected and water use efficiency (WUE) was increased. However, the effects were mostly transient and after 24 h PN only at 1 and 5 µM BA was increased, and other parameters were not affected or even decreased. In sugar beet seedlings, the effects of hydroxybenzyladenosine (HBA) in addition to those of BA on the same parameters were determined. The both cytokinins were applied in 1, 5, 10, and 20 µM concentrations either to roots or sprayed on leaves However, the effects were inconsistent and the positive effect was observed only after 24 h on PN in plants with roots immersed in 5 and 10 µM BA, or 10 µM HBA, and on E in plants sprayed with 5 µM BA or 10 µM HBA. Thus the stimulation of gas exchange by exogenously applied cytokinins is rather exceptional than general.