LEVEL CHANGES OF JASMONIC, ABSCISIC, AND INDOLE-3YL-ACETIC ACIDS IN MAIZE UNDER DESICCATION STRESS

Desiccation-stress conditions were applied to the roots of etiolated Z en mays L. (cv. Zhengsan 3) plantlets using polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions. Levels of JA, ABA and IAA in the roots and shoots were quan titatively determined by ELISAs at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 13 h. The enhance ment in JA and ABA levels in both roots and shoots during desiccation stress was observed. The largest increases in the root and shoot conte nts of ABA were found at 5 h (about 3.2-fold) and 7 h (about 6.3-fold) , respectively. The IAA root level increased strongly after Ih of imme rsion, and reached its highest value at 3 h (about 5.2-fold), then dec reased. However, the level of IAA in the shoots decreased rapidly, and reached its lowest value at 7 h (about one-fourth).