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A role for ethylene in barley plants responding to soil water shortage

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Abstract

The influence of water shortage and ethylene (ethephon) application on ear fertility and tillering of barley plants were compared. In both cases, highest sensitivity was observed during jointing and pre-anthesis (Feekes 7–9). The ear initial with the surrounding tissue was identified as the site of ethylene action. Treating this region of barley plants with AVG before wilting partly prevented drought effects. These results, in connection with rising ethylene values in ear-bearing stem segments of wilting barley plants (more obvious in increasing ACC and MACC levels), especially in the drought-sensitive stages, favors a role for ethylene in the development of cereal plants under drought.

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Bergner, C., Teichmann, C. A role for ethylene in barley plants responding to soil water shortage. J Plant Growth Regul 12, 67 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00193235

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00193235

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