PRESENCE AND ROLE OF JASMONATE IN APPLE EMBRYOS

(-)Jasmonic acid (JA) was identified in extracts from embryos of apple (Malus domestica) by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Q uantification of JA in embryos isolated from seeds at different period s of stratification by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrome try/selective ion monitoring indicated a sharp peak at day 30. At the same time the maximal ratio of conjugated to free JA was found by enzy me-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Germination of embryos was stim ulated by added JA and inhibited by salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM, an i nhibitor of lipoxygenase). Both stimulation and inhibition disappeared in embryos stratified for more than 30 days. Methyl jasmonate was mor e effective in stimulation of embryo germination than free JA, while J A-isoleucine inhibited germination. The possible mechanism responsible for changes in JA level as well as the role of JA and its conjugates in removal of dormancy in apple seeds are discussed.