Uptake, Translocation, and Metabolism of IAA in the Olive (Olea europea)

Abstract

Absorption, translocation, and decarboxylation of [1–¹⁴C]IAA by excised mature and young olive leaves were studied. The decarboxylation was considerably more intense in mature leaves than in young ones, while the opposite was true for absorption. The rate of decarboxylation was dependent on the presence of peltate scales of the leaves. The amount of non-biological decarboxylation and the possible effect of bacterial contamination on the system were studied and the rate of their involvement is discussed.