THE METABOLISM OF BENZYLADENINE IN SPATHIPHYLLUM-FLORIBUNDUM SCHOTT-PETITE IN RELATION TO ACCLIMATIZATION PROBLEMS

In Spathiphyllum floribundum 'Petite', which was cultured on medium co ntaining benzyladenine (BA), uptake of this cytokinin and its conversi on to 9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-benzyladenine (9R-BA) or 9-beta-glucopyra nosyl-benzyladenine (9G-BA) was monitored. BA and extremely large quan tities of 9G-BA were exclusively located in the basal part of the plan t (callus and meristems). 9R-BA was found in the basal part, the petio les and the leaf blades. After an acclimatisation period of 9 weeks th e plants still contained high levels of 9G-BA, but BA and 9R-BA could no longer be detected after one week. The possible role of BA and its derivatives on inhibition of root initiation or irreversible chloropla st deficiency is discussed.