In conjunction with The Plant Growth Regulation Society of America
and the Japanese Society for the Chemical Regulation of Plants

PS0601 DIVERSITY IN SALICYLIC ACID EFFECTS ON GROWTH CRITERIA AND DIFFERENT INDOLE ACETIC ACID FORMS AMONG FABA BEAN AND MAIZE
El-Mergawi , Ragab and Abdel-Wahed , Mohamed. Botany Dept., National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
ragabelmergawi05@hotmail.com
     
Salicylic acid is a phenolic compound and natural constituent of plant .Phenolics participate in some way on auxin metabolism by regulating IAA degradation or by control the formation of IAA conjugates .The present study was conducted to investigate the association between diverse effects of SA (1-5 mM) on faba bean and maize growth and IAA metabolism. All SA doses tended to induce increases on faba bean growth criteria. There was a progressive increase in the fresh and dry weights of stem, leaves and whole plant as well as number and fresh weight of kernels by increasing SA level. These characters achieved more than 40% increases by spraying faba bean plants with 5mM of SA. An enhancement effect was obtained by maize plants as affected by 1 or 2mM of SA, but application 3-5mM resulted in a remarkable reduction in plant height, fresh and dry weights of stem and leaves, maximized by using 4mM after 30 days from SA spraying. Chlorophylls and total phenolics in the leaves of faba bean and maize did not affect significantly by SA treatments. Free, ester, amide, bound and total IAA forms were determined by using HPLC. At vegetative growth stage, free IAA in leaves of faba bean and maize plants reached about 31 and 14%, respectively of the total IAA .Whereas, amide IAA form constituted about 43% and 70%, corresponded by about 26% and 17% for ester form, respectively. Spraying faba bean plants with SA tended to cause increases in free IAA and decreases in ester IAA, after 3 days from treatment. Values of free and ester IAA reached 113% and 44%, respectively of control by using SA at 4mM. As for maize, all SA doses caused decreases in free IAA and increases in ester IAA. Maximum effects (30% decreases in free IAA and 70% increases in ester IAA) were achieved by 5mM after 6 days from treatment. In general SA did not induce a great consistent effect on amide-IAA and total IAA, while changes in ester form tended to be in opposite manner to changes in free IAA, meaning that SA might interfere with IAA-conjugation.

Key words: Salicylic acid, (SA), indole acetic acid forms, phenolics, faba bean,maize.

PS0602 PROHEXADIONE-CA INCREASES LYCOPENE CONTENT AND ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY DURING FRUIT RIPENING IN TOMATO
Ramirez, Homero, Herrera, Bruno, Benavides, Adalberto, Mendoza, Rosalinda,Rancaño, Hugo,Villareal, Jose Angel Dep. Hort. Universidad Aut. Agr. Antonio Narro Buenavista, Saltillo, Coah., 25315, Mexico
homeror@terra.com.mx
     This study was conducted with the purpose of learning the effects of prohexadione-ca (P-Ca)on the antioxidant lycopene content and the enzymatic activity during fruit ripening in tomato var. Floradade. The growth retardant was sprayed to experimental plants in one or/and in two occasions.The first application was done when plants had reached 50% blossom; whereas, the second one was performed two weeks after.The concentration dosages of P-Ca were: 0 , 125, 175 and 200 mg L^-1.
The results showed that any treatment with P-Ca increased the total antioxidant capacity in evaluated fruits at different stages of fruit ripening. The content of lycopene showed a remarkable increment in ripen fruits harvested from plants which have received the P-Ca applications. The activity of catalaze and peroxidase also increased in these tomato fruits treated with the growth retardant.

PS0603 CYCLANILIDE PROMOTES LATERAL BRANCHING OF CRAPE MYRTLE AND INKBERRY HOLLY
Banko, Thomas¹, and Stefani, Marcia^{1 1}Virginia Tech, Hampton Roads AREC, 1444 Diamond Springs Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
tbanko@vt.edu
     During nursery production of landscape trees and shrubs it is desirable to promote the development of well-branched plants to achieve a uniform, full appearance. Branching may be promoted with multiple prunings but this is labor-intensive and expensive. In this study, spray applications of the bioregulator, cyclanilide (Bayer Environmental Science) were evaluated for promotion of lateral branching on container-grown crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia ×indica ‘Muskogee’) and inkberry holly (Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’). Treatments were applied in the spring as shoots were elongating. Cyclanilide spray concentrations of 0, 54, 106, and 212 mg/L resulted in a linear increase in new lateral shoots for crape myrtle and a quadratic increase for inkberry holly. Treatments also caused a delay in flowering, and a small but significant reduction in height of crape myrtle.

PS0604 PACLOBUTRAZOL TREE GROWTH REGULATOR AFFECTS PHYSIOLOGY, MORPHOLOGY AND GROWTH OF SWEETGUM AND CHERRYBARK OAK
Qi, Yadong¹, Chaney, William R.², Hilton, Tanya K^{3 1}Urban Forestry Program, Box 11288, Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA 70813, USA; ²Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; ³USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, 1720 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
yadong_qi@suagcenter.com
     Paclobutrazol (PBZ) treatment was applied by soil drench one time to six years old sweetgum (Liquidamber styraciflua L.) and cherrybark oak (Quercus falcata var. pagodaefolia Ell.) located at Southern University Horticultural Farm, Baton Rouge, LA in spring 1997. Physiological and morphological study in the third year (2000) after the treatment indicated that PBZ significantly reduced leaf surface area, increased leaf thickness, and enhanced leaf chlorophyll content in both species. PBZ also reduced leaf petiole length and enhanced the gas exchange rates per unit of leaf area including net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration in sweetgum but not in cherrybark oak. Scanning electron micrographs taken in the fourth year (2001) showed that PBZ suppressed the radial growth of the epidermal and palisade cells resulting in cell compaction; and in turn, stimulated the transverse growth causing thickening of the epidermal and palisade layers in both species. PBZ also caused leaf veinlets to be more deeply imbedded within the leaf surfaces of sweetgum and induced higher leaf trichome density in cherrybark oak. The greater density of trichomes could be very beneficial to leaves as a physical barrier to biotic invasion and a means by which the boundary layer resistance is increased to reduce moisture loss under dry weather conditions. Measurement of growth at the end of the fifth year (2002) of the treatment indicated that PBZ reduced tree height by 60% in sweetgum and 50% in cherrybark oak, and decreased DBH by 65% in sweetgum and 58% in cherrybark oak. Since PBZ treatment provided sweetgum and cherrybark oak trees with specific structural and physiological advantages, it could be used as a tree growth retardant for utility and urban forestry to effectively maintain healthier and slower-growing trees underneath power lines, along the streets, and other landscape situations.

PS0605 IMMUNOMODULATIONAL STUDY OF GIBBERELLINS IN PLANTS
Suzuki, Yoshihito¹, Mizuno, Toru¹, Yamaguchi, Isomaro², Asami, Tadao^{1 1}Dept. Appl. Biol. Chem., The Univ. of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; ²Faculty of Technol., Maebashi Inst. Technol., Gunma, Japan
ayoshi@pgr1.ch.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp
      A single-chain Fv (scFv) is the minimum recombinant form of antibody with antigen-binding activity. ScFv gene libraries with random mutations were constructed from anti-bioactive gibberellin (GA) monoclonal antibody lines from which functional scFv clones were screened by their affinity to GA₄. These scFv genes were used for immunomodulational study of GAs in plants, i.e., the scFvs were produced in tobacco and arabidopsis to disturb normal function of GAs. The expression vectors were designed to localize scFvs in various subcellular compartments, which were confirmed by fluorescence of GFP fused to scFvs.
The production of scFv-GFP was confirmed by ELISA, western and GFP fluorescence analysis for all the constructs. There was a tendency that scFv-GFPs were more stably accumulated in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) than other compartments. The ER lines showed significantly shorter plant height than wild-type plants in both plant species. The roots were also shorter in transgenic plants. The endogenous GA₄ level was much higher in transgenic plants than in wild-type plants, strongly suggesting that scFvs inhibited the action of the bioactive GAs by capturing them.

PS0606 MANIPULATION OF FRUIT DROP AND CROP LOAD IN PECAN WITH AMINOETHOXYVINYLGLYCINE, FORCHLORFENURON, AND GIBBERELLIN-A₃
Wood, Bruce^{1 1}USDA, ARS, Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory, Byron, Georgia 31008, USA Bruce.Wood@ars.usda.gov
Bruce.Wood@ars.usda.gov
     Excessive fruit-drop is a major problem in many tree-fruit and tree-nut crops. A substantial percentage of fruit drop 4-6 weeks post-pollination (i.e., June Drop). This drop is especially severe for certain pecan (Carya illinoinensis) cultivars, such as ‘Desirable’cv., with as much as 90% of the potential crop aborting. Field studies found aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG/ReTain) and forchlorfenuron (CPPU/Prestige) to substantially reduce fruit-drop by pecan trees in orchards. AVG is efficacious when applied as a foliar spray to canopies just after the conclusion of pollination at 66 – 132 mg a.i. per L and CPPU is efficacious at 15 – 30 mg a.i. per L. Gibberellin-A₃ (ProGibb) at 100 mg a.i. per L reduced drop by about 14% in heavy crop trees, whereas Gibberellin A₄₊₇ & 6-Benzyladenine (Promalin) at 50 mg a.i. per L was ineffective. Activity by three distinctly different classes of plant growth regulators affecting three different classes of endogenous regulators appears to indicate that either two or more mechanism likely regulate fruit drop or that a single mechanism is subject to influenced at different points by different classes of growth regulators. AVG or CPPU increased fruit retention by > 30% in trees supporting relatively heavy crop loads, but did not retain fruit in trees with light crops. AVG and CPPU are potentially useful for increasing crop yields in moderate to heavy crop load trees. Unfortunately, enhanced fruit retention leads to reduced flowering the following growing season via pecan’s innate alternate bearing physiological characteristic.

PS0607 VASE LIFE AND FLOWER SENESCENCE OF EXCISED INFLORESCENCES OF POLIOMINTHA LONGIFOLIA
Mackay, Wayne, Narendra Sankhla Texas A&M University, TAES-Dallas, 17360 Coit Rd., Dallas, TX 75252-6599
w-mackay@tamu.edu
     Novel cut flower crops continue to derive consumer interest. Members of Novel cut flower crops continue to derive consumer interest. Members of Lamiaceae< are extensively used as source of essential oils, secondary metabolite production and attractive garden plants. Poliomintha longifolia (Mexican Oregano) is one of the ‘deer-resistant’ plants of Hill country landscapes which blooms from spring through fall and produces striking white- purple tubular flowers. This report describes our initial results on the effect of ethephon (CEPA), gibberellic acid (GA) and sucrose (SUC) on flower senescence and vase life of cut inflorescences of this plant with potential as a cut flower crop. Freshly cut excised inflorescences were placed in glass vases containing either 400 ml water or the test solution containing CEPA (20-100 µM), GA (30 µM) and SUC (30 mM) solutions at 22± 2ºC in light. Presence of CEPA hastened the senescence of flowers which was accompanied by an increase in the development of purple color. GA, on the other hand, inhibited the development of flower color and delayed flower senescence. Incorporation of SUC in the vase solution dramatically increased the opening of new flower buds, improved the overall quality, display life and longevity of cut inflorescences. These results indicate that it is possible to extend the vase life of Poliomintha cut inflorescences with suitable post harvest treatments. Lamiaceae are extensively used as source of essential oils, secondary metabolite production and attractive garden plants. Poliomintha longifolia (Mexican Oregano) is one of the ‘deer-resistant’ plants of Hill country landscapes which blooms from spring through fall and produces striking white- purple tubular flowers. This report describes our initial results on the effect of ethephon (CEPA), gibberellic acid (GA) and sucrose (SUC) on flower senescence and vase life of cut inflorescences of this plant with potential as a cut flower crop. Freshly cut excised inflorescences were placed in glass vases containing either 400 ml water or the test solution containing CEPA (20-100 µM), GA (30 µM) and SUC (30 mM) solutions at 22± 2ºC in light. Presence of CEPA hastened the senescence of flowers which was accompanied by an increase in the development of purple color. GA, on the other hand, inhibited the development of flower color and delayed flower senescence. Incorporation of SUC in the vase solution dramatically increased the opening of new flower buds, improved the overall quality, display life and longevity of cut inflorescences. These results indicate that it is possible to extend the vase life of Poliomintha cut inflorescences with suitable post harvest treatments.

PS0608 NEW INSIGHTS ON CONTROL OF FRUIT DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY BY PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
Bonghi Claudio (1), Bregoli Anna Maria (2), Costa Guglielmo (2), Ramina Angelo(1), Torrigiani Patrizia(3), Tonutti Pietro(1), Ziosi Vanina(2) 1) Dipartimento di Colture Arboree, Bologna University, Italy 2) Department of Environmental Agronomy and Crop Sciences, Padua University, Italy 3) Dipartimento di Biologia evoluzionistica sperimentale, Bologna University, Italy
guglielmo.costa@unibo.it
     PGRs can be used to promote, inhibit, or modify plant growth and developmental processes. Among these, fruit development and ripening represent the most reliable from an economic point of view. PGRs may be applied in fruit production for controlling several phases of development, such as the immature and pre-harvest fruit drop, and for improving the final fruit quality.
The chemical thinning is usually performed by means of molecules such as Dormex (hydrogen cyanamide), Dinitro-orthocresol (DNOC), Armothin (Alkoxylated fatty alkylamine polymer), ammonium thiosulphate (ATS), NAA and its amide NAD, BA, Carbaryl and CEPA, that induce the drop of flower buds or fruitlets. Fruit size and quality might be controlled by exogenous application of PGRs as auxins, BA, CEPA, Jasmonates and polyamine. The whole fruit quality is largely dependent upon the control of ripening. In climacteric fruit this syndrome is efficiently regulated by ethylene. In fact, chemicals blocking ethylene biosynthesis (aminoethoxyvinylglycin, AVG) or action (1-methylcyclopropene, 1-MCP) are currently used in pre- and post-harvest phases, respectively, to delay ripening. For the same purpose, auxin, PAs and JAs might also be used.
In this presentation the effects of PGRs on fruit growth and development will be analyzed taking into account both the usual crop parameters and their effects on specific metabolic pathways related to fruit development and ripening. This will contribute to a further elucidation of the role of plant hormone in controlling these processes and allow the setting of novel tools to efficiently evaluate the ripening dynamics and the final whole fruit quality.

PS0609 PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE L-PROLINE EFFECTS ON APPLE FRUIT QUALITY
Bregoli Anna Maria, Fabbroni Cristina, Raimondi Valerius, Andreotti Carlo, Ravaglia Daniela, Costa Guglielmo Dipartimento di Colture Arboree, Bologna University, # 46 Fanin blv., 40127 Bologna, Italy
guglielmo.costa@unibo.it
     Foliar application of different compound is become a common technique in agriculture to increase crop productivity and fruit quality. Many data are available on the application of N fertilizers, while few data are reported on the application of amino acids and nucleic acids. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of the amino acid L-proline on the yield, fruit quality and nutraceuticals content of apple (cv ‘Galaxy’). Recently, nutraceuticals in fruits and vegetables have attracted a great deal of attention thanks to their role in preventing diseases caused as a result of oxidative stress. Among them, phenolic compounds may be considered as one factor contributing to the so called “inner quality” of fruits, as well as enhancing their “outer quality”, in particular the peel red colour.
Trial was carried out at the experimental farm of the Bologna University during the 2005 and 2006 years. Pure L-proline, and an experimental product containing 50% in weight of this amino acid (Ajinomoto Co., Inc.), were applied at different doses and application times. Fortnightly during the growing season, the fruit diameter, fresh and dry weight were recorded to measure the L-proline effect on fruit growth. At harvest the main productivity and quality parameters were also recorded. Mesocarp and epicarp tissues were separately sampled and freezed at -80°C for GC and HPLC determination of sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds.
L-proline application, even at the highest concentration, has no phytotoxic effect on the vegetation and on the fruit. Results obtained in the first year showed an increase in the fruit fresh weight and in the red skin colour. L-proline seems also to modify fruit quality: treated fruit, in fact, had higher solid soluble content and fewer starch content than control ones. In the second year, L-proline application showed no effect on the productivity parameters while the effects on fruit quality, specially on the red peel colour, were confirmed. The data obtained from the biochemical analysis showed a general increase in the phenolic content in the epicarp tissue. In particular, two classes of phenols were particularly affected, anthocyanidins and flavonols. No differences were present at the pulp level between untreated and L-proline treated fruit. The practical importance of the enhancement of anthocyanidins and flavonols of the fruit skin caused by L-proline is confirmed by the fact that the red skin fruit have a high commercial value on the market.

PS0610 BENZOIC ACID ON FLORAL QUALITY OF LILIUM CV. DREAMLAND
Benavides, Adalberto, Ramirez, Homero, Rojas, Alfonso Dept. Horticultura Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro Buenavista, Saltillo, Coah., 25315, Mexico
abenmen@yahoo.com
     This study was carried on to learning the effects of benzoic acid (benzene carboxylic acid)on the floral quality and floral abortion rate of Lilium growed in greenhouse.
The results showed that the foliar spraying of benzoic acid (1 X 10^-4 M and 1 X 10^-3 M) applied before and during appearance of floral buds did not change the number, abortion rate or morphology of such buds. On the other hand, the application after appearance of floral buds effectively changed the height and diameter of buds and open flowers.

PS0611 FUNCTION ANALYSIS OF OXYLIPIN, 9-HYDROXY-10-OXO-12(Z), 15(Z)-OCTADECADIENOIC ACID (KODA) IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA.
Madoka Ayano¹, Hideki Goda¹, Mineyuki Yokoyama², Kazuo Shinozaki¹, Shigeo Yoshida¹. ¹Plant Science Center, RIKEN, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan. ²Research Center, Shiseido Co. Ltd., Yokohama 224-8558, Japan.
ayano@psc.riken.jp
      Oxylipin, 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12(Z), 15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid (KODA) is a signal compound found in Lemuna paucicostata after exposure to stress, such as drought, heat or osmotic stress. According to the subsequent research, it has reported that the flower-inducing activities were found in Lemuna paucicostataand Pharbitis nil (violet). To understand function of KODA in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Coumbia ecotypes, we performed phylogenetic analysis.



First, we measured endogenous KODA levels in Arabisopsis to confirm their existences. The145pg/g-F.W KODA was certanly detected. Next, to detect KODA's function, we sprayed KODA to seedlings. But under the continuous light condition, none of the KODA's influence was detected. However some morphological changes were induced when the 10µM KODA were treated under stress condition. Under the short day condition (7h light-17h dark), both Rosette leaf enlargement and acceleration of lateral buds formation were detected from the late-vegetative to early-reproductive stages. Under continuous light condition with high-Nitrogen fertilizer treatment, not only leaf enlargement but also vigorous inflorescences development was detected. These results suggested that KODA have a potential to recover from stress condition in A. thaliana.

PS0612 SOME NECESSARY ASPECTS DURING MASS-IN VITRO MULTIPLICATION TO PRODUCE ARTIFICIAL SEEDS IN BANANA AND SORGHUM
Hassanein Ahmed ¹, Hamad Ahmed ², Abed-Elmaksood Ibrahiem ³, Galal Abed-Elnaser ¹, Soltan Dia El-Deen ¹, Salem Jehan ^{1 1} Central Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt. ² Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Assuit University, 71516 Assuit, Egypt.. ³ Genetic Engineering La., Sadat City, Monofia University, Monofia, Egypt
hassaneinam@yahoo.com
     Fast multiplication was induced when seedling shoot tips of sorghum were cultured on MS medium supplanted with 2 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D. Suckers shoot tips were used for multiplication of banana on MS medium supplemented with 5 mg/l BAP. Six subcultures of in vitro obtained shoot tips resulted in the formation of huge number of plant materials to produce of artificial seeds [371293 and 18720 shoot tips/explant in case of sorghum (in 3 months) and banana (in 6 months), respectively]. Size of in vitro obtained shoot tips of banana and sorghum was big enough to simplify the encapsulation processes. Consequently, manual mass production of artificial seeds were obtained through encapsulation of in vitro obtained shoot tips of both plants in calcium alginate beads. Storage of encapsulated shoot tips in liquid multiplication medium under low temperature (4 oC) was important for viability and conservation of the obtained seeds. Conversion was fulfilled on basal MS medium and the resulted plantlets were transferred to the garden soil. Although somatic embryos were obtained, production of artificial seeds using in vitro obtained shoot tips were recommended to decrease the somaclonal variation. Also, to minimise the appearance of somaclonal variation, any condition stimulated the formation of callus or somatic embryogenesis were avoided, eg. application of relatively high concentration of 2,4-D (1-5 mg/l) and/or incubation under dark condition. In addition, genetic stability sufficient for production of artificial seeds was obtained when long term culture was avoided, subculture number should be not more than seven in banana and ten in sorghum.

PS0613 PISTILLATE FLOWER ABORTION AND POLLINATION-INDUCED ETHYLENE PRODUCTION IN ENGLISH WALNUT
Johnson, Holly, Polito, Vito Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA; holjohnson@ucdavis.edu
holjohnson@Ucdavis.edu
     Walnut pistillate flower abortion (PFA) is the loss of female flowers approximately 2 weeks after bloom. Ovaries in PFA type flowers stop enlarging at approximately 3-4 mm in size, and abscise 10 to 14 days later. PFA in walnut is due to the presence of excess pollen on the stigma. When it lands on the stigma, pollen induces ethylene production in flowers. Previous lab and field studies indicate that ethylene is involved in PFA. The cultivar Serr is the most susceptible to PFA; and PFA in Serr can exceed 90%, but other cultivars are susceptible as well. ReTain™ (active ingredient amino-ethoxy-vinyl-glycine (AVG)) has shown to reduce PFA and increase yields on the cultivar Serr in a given year. The effects of multiple year ReTain™ treatments on Serr yields were evaluated. In year two of treatment, there appeared to be a slight, but non-significant decrease in yield, in year three, this was not evident. This may have been due to overall low yields in year three. ReTain™ applications on the variety Chandler do not appear to be effective. Treatments of a liquid formulation of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, AgroFreshInc) were also tested on whole, individual trees, and showed a significant decrease in PFA associated with treatment. Non-significant increases in yield were also seen. In-vitro measurements of ethylene production by walnut flowers showed that ReTain™ decreases ethylene production, while 1-MCP increases ethylene production.

PS0614 INCREASED WATER-USE EFFICIENCY (WUE) THROUGH MANIPULATION OF ABSCISIC ACID (ABA) BIOSYNTHESIS IN TOMATO AND ARABIDOPSIS
Thompson, Andrew ¹, Andrews, John ¹, Hilton, Howard ¹, Deswarte Jean-Charles ¹, Farquhar, Graham ², Smeeton, Rachel ³, Black, Colin ³, Swee Ang Tung ³, Taylor, Ian ^{3 1} Warwick HRI, Univ. Warwick, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9EF, UK; ² Environmental Biology Group, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National Univ., GPO Box 475, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia; ³ Plant Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, Univ. Nottingham, Loughborough, Leic., LE12 5RD, UK. a.j.thompson@warwick.ac.uk; Tel +44(24)76575090; FAX +44(24)76574500
a.j.thompson@warwick.ac.uk
     ABA is a key modulator of drought response. Our aim is to improve crop productivity in water-limited environments through the genetic manipulation of ABA biosynthesis. Over-expression of 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) resulted in increased ABA biosynthesis in the shoot and, to a lesser extent, in root tissues. An rbcS::NCED construct led to large increases in ABA accumulation in photosynthetic tissues of tomato, together with greatly improved WUE, but with detrimental effects on growth. In Arabidopsis the same construct also greatly improved WUE but with no significant effect on biomass. Similarly, tomato lines derived from a constitutive promoter that provided lower expression levels produced the same biomass as WT plants but with nearly double the WUE. Moderately increased ABA levels caused stomatal closure but also increased leaf water status, leaf expansion and root hydraulic conductivity. The combined pleiotropic effects of elevated ABA are considered in relation to crop productivity and WUE. In roots, we show that steps upstream of NCED, including â-carotene hydroxylase, are important in regulating ABA biosynthesis and the potential for enhancement of root-to-shoot ABA signaling, by manipulating multiple enzymatic steps in root tissue will be addressed.

PS0615 1-MCP SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTS THE TRANSCRIPTION PROFILES OF PEACH FRUIT
Bonghi Claudio¹, Ziliotto Fiorenza¹, Rasori Angela¹, Begheldo Maura¹, Tonutti Pietro², and Ramina Angelo^{1 1}Department Environmental Agronomy & Crop Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, 16; Legnaro (PD); i-35020 Italy; ²Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento, Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 33 Pisa, I-56127 Italy
claudio.bonghi@unipd.it
     The control of climacteric fruit ripening relies upon the possibility of controlling ethylene biosynthesis and action. This can be achieved through genetic engineering, control of environmental parameters (temperature, CA) during storage or using specific inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis or action,

The µPEACH1.0, a microarray containing 4806 oligos corresponding to unigenes isolated mainly from a ripe fruit, was used to evaluate changes in trascriptome profile of peach fruits induced by 1-methylcyclopropane (1-MCP), an antagonist of ethylene for the binding sites.

Peaches (cv Super Crimson Gold) were picked at commercial ripening and incubated at 20° for 24 h with 1-MCP (1µL/L) and then transferred in air for 48h. The control fruits were maintained in air (A) throughout the experimental period. The sampling was performed at the beginning of the experiment (T0), at 24 (24-1MCP and 24A) and 72 h (72 1-MCP and 72A). At the end of the treatment with 1-MCP and 48 h later fruit ethylene evolution and firmness were measured. Microarray analysis was carried out according to a simple-loop experiment design taking into account the following comparisons 24 1-MCPvsT0; 24Avs T0; 24 1-MCPvs24A; 72 1-MCPvsT0; 72vsT0 and 72 1-MCPvs72A. Within the selected genes using the SAM algorithm, a threshold of confidence more than 2 and less than 0.5 for up- and down-regulation, respectively, was assumed.

It has been confirmed that 1-MCP slightly reduced the fruit softening: in fact, 1-MCP-treated fruit showed an higher firmness than the control ones for a period no longer than three days, after that the fruits started to soft concurrently with the onset of ethylene evolution.

Microarray analysis revealed that in 24AvsT0 and 24 1MCPvsTO the unigenes differentially expressed (up and down) were 103 and 9, respectively. These results pointed out that after 24h in air a large set of genes are showing changes in the transcription activity and many of these are blocked by 1-MCP. In fact, the ethylene positively regulated genes as Pp-ACO1 and those encoding cell wall hydrolases (as endoPG, Pp-EXP1, PME) were among the down-regulated in 24 1-MCPvs24A, the up-regulated in 24AvsT0, and the unchanged in 1MCPvsTO. The analysis of transcript profiling after an additional period of 48 h in air (72 1MCP/72A) pointed out that the genes blocked by 1-MCP at the end of the treatment can be grouped in three clusters. In the first, including endoPG, PME, PpEXP1, an EIN3-like factor and an ethylene responsive element binding proteins (AP2/EREBPs), the expression level was similar to that found in fruits maintained in air indicating a full recovery. In the second clusters, in which Pp-ACO1, an AUX/IAA-like gene and an ETR2-like ethylene receptor are present, the block was still maintained, although the transcripts accumulation was increasing. In the last set, in which genes down-regulated as a glucose acyltransferase and a catalase after 24h in air are present, the positive effect of 1-MCP on transcription is progressively lost. In conclusion, 1-MCP efficiently impaired the ethylene action, but its short lasting effect in the delaying the peach fruit ripening might be imputed to a fast recovery of the transcription rate of some transcription factors controlling the ethylene signaling as EIN3-like or AP2/EREBPs.

PS0616 EFFECTS OF NAA, AVG, AND 1-MCP ON ETHYLENE BIOSYNTHESIS, PREHARVEST FRUIT DROP, FRUIT MATURITY AND QUALITY OF GOLDEN SUPREME AND GOLDEN DELICIOUS APPLES
Yuan , Rongcai, Carbaugh, David Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 595 Laurel Grove Road, Winchester, VA 22602
yuan@vt.edu
     Effects of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), and 1- methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) alone or in combination, on fruit ethylene production, preharvest fruit drop, fruit quality, and fruit maturation were examined in ¡®Golden Supreme¡¯ and ¡®Golden Delicious¡¯ apples (Malus x domestica Borkh.). In ¡®Golden Supreme¡¯ apples, the combination of two applications of AVG and one application of NAA 3 and 1 weeks before the anticipated optimum harvest date synergistically inhibited fruit ethylene production, and delayed fruit drop and ripening. Compared with one or two applications of AVG, the combination of one application of AVG and two applications of NAA had much lower preharvest fruit drop even though there was no significant difference in fruit ethylene production among these treatments. In ¡®Golden Delicious¡¯ apples, 1-MCP at 396 mg.L-1 had a better effect in delaying fruit drop than did AVG at 125 mg.L-1 or NAA at 20 mg.L-1 when they were applied a week before the optimum harvest date. The combination of NAA and 1-MCP or AVG was more effective in delaying fruit drop than were NAA, 1-MCP, or AVG alone. Fruit ethylene production was inhibited by 1-MCP and AVG but not by NAA. 1-MCP and AVG delayed fruit ripening whereas NAA increased fruit ripening as determined by fruit firmness and starch.

PS0617 CHEMICAL REGULATION OF PLANT STRESS TOLERANCE
Armstrong, Joshua I., Schwarz, Yuka H. Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. 21375 Cabot Blvd., Hayward, CA 94545, USA
jarmstro@mendelbio.com
     The genomics era has yielded a wealth of knowledge surrounding signaling pathways controlling plant health and development. We have employed both forward and reverse genetic approaches to identify and characterize transcription factors that regulate abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. This information has guided the generation of fluorescence-based whole plant reporter lines, enabling straightforward detection of pathway activation. We have used these reporter lines in high-throughput chemical screens to identify structurally distinct compound classes that up-regulate Arabidopsis drought tolerance and disease resistance in both plate and soil-based assays. Our strategy and insights into the mechanism of a select compound will be presented.

PS0618 THE EFFECTS OF PLANT GROWTH RETARDANTS OF RICE STARCH
The effect of gibberellin biosynthetic inhibitors on enzyme activity and physicochemical properties of rice starch Sang Kuk Kim, Bong Ho Lee Institute for Bioresources Research, Gyeongbuk Provincial Agricultural Technology Administration, Andong 760891, Korea Corresponding author: kimsk88@hanmail.net
kimsk88@hanmail.net
     Application of gibberellic acid and kinetin(6-furfuryl amino purine) improve development and grain yield on all branches of rice plants (Patel and Mohapatra, 1992). From our previous reports, gibberellin-treated rice plants showed that endogenous GA ₄ content in both superior and inferior part was more promoted in GA ₄ -treated rice grain than in the control. GA ₁ content of an inferior part was not detected in the control and GA ₄ -treated rice otherwise GA ₄ was detected in all grain parts. Amylopectin from GA ₄ -treated grain contained more very short chains with degree of polymerization (DP) between 4 and 8 than amylopectin from the control plant. When gibberellin biosynthetic inhibitors is applied to rice plants, several enzyme activity related starch synthesis and its physicochemical properties of rice starch is discussed.

PS0619 EFFECT OF DAY LENGTH ON BULB OF GARLIC
Influence of day length on plant hormones in leaf blades and sheath of garlic (Allium sativum L.) Eun Y. Sohn, Byung S. Kim, I. J. Lee Division of Plant Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702701, Korea Corresponding author (E-mail: ijlee@knu.ac.kr)
ijlee@knu.ac.kr
     Endogenous gibberellins during bulb growth were investigated from two garlic tissue parts, leaf sheaths and leaf blades as affected by different day length conditions. When garlic was grown in the long day condition, the concentrations of total gibberellins in the leaf sheaths began to increase at bulb differentiation times and kept to increase about 15 days before they began to enlarge, and reached a maximum shortly at early bulb enlargement times and declined slightly. On the contrary, the concentrations of total gibberellins in the leaf sheaths of garlic grown in short day conditions were increased steadily till early bulb enlargement times and reached a maximum shortly at only full bulb enlargement times. In addition, non C-13 hydroxylation route was always dominant during bulb growth both long and short day lengths. Furthermore, GA ₄ was also more abundant than GA ₁, however its changes were differed from day length with increased bulb growth.

PS0620 EFFECT OF PUTRESCINE AND SPERMIDINE ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF TWO WHEAT CULTIVARS DERIVED FROM FIELD EXPERIMENTS AND IN VITRO
Abdel-Hady M.S.S* and M.A. Ahmed** * Botany Dept. and ** Filed Crop Research Dept National Research Center, Dokki, Giza , Egypt. E-mail : msabdelhady@hotmail.com
msabdelhady@hotmail.com
     Abstract : Two field experiments were carried out in the Agricultural Experimental Station of National Research Center, Shalakan, Qalubeya Governorate, Egypt to study effect of putrescine and spermidine on growth and productivity of two wheat cultivars drived from field experiments and in vitro. The main results were:

1- There was highly significant response of the two genotypes to putrescine (put) and spermidine (spd) and (put + spd). The results showed that MS8 medium containing (100 mg/l put + 100 mg/l spd) gave the best embryogenic callus induction and plant regeneration for the two wheat genotypes tested. The highest callus induction, callus growth rate and plant regeneration were obtained in Gemmiza-9 on MS8 medium.

2- Gemmiza-9 cultivar significantly exceeded Giza-168 cultivar in Chl.a and carotenoids per blades, total carbohydrate percentage and protein percentage in grains, platn height, No. of tillers/plant, main spike length, main spike weight, spikes weight/plant, grain index, grain weight/main spike, grain yield/plant and per fed.

3- Foliar application with 100 mg/l put + 100 mg/l spd produced wheat plants characterized by high values of Chl.a and carotenoids in blades, total carbohydrate % in grians, protein % in grains, plant height, main spike length, main spike weight, spikes weight/plant, grain index, grain weight/main spike and grain yield/plant and/fed. On the other hand the highest value of Chl.b obtained by spraying wheat plants with 100 mg/l Put + 50 mg/l Spd., whereas, spraying with 50 mg/l Put + 100 mg/l Spd harvested the greatest value of number of tillers/plant.

4- As for the interaction between wheat cultivars and foliar spraying with putrescine and spermidine, the effect was significant on photosynthetic pigments content/blades, total carbohydrates %, protein % per grains, and yield and its components. Generally, the most favoruable treatment of Chl.a, carotenoids, carbohydrate %, protein % in grains, plant height, number of tillers/plant, main spike length, main spike weight, spikes weight/plant, grain index, grain weight/main spike, and grain yield/plant and/fed was spraying Gemmiza-9 cultivar with 100 mg/l Put + 100 mg/l Spd., meanwhile spraying the same cultivar with 100 mg/l Put + 50 mg/l Spd. gave the height significant value from Chl.b.

Key words: Wheat, putrescine, spermidine, growth and tissue culture.

PS0621 RESULTS OF THE USE OF 3,5,6-TPA AGAINST PREHARVEST FRUIT DROP IN 'CONFERENCE' PEAR
Basak, Alina¹, Buczek Maria^{2 1} Research Institute of Pomology and Flor., Pomologiczna 18, 96-100 Skierniewice, Poland; ² Fruit Experiment Station of Research Institute of Pomology and Flor., Brzezna, 33-386 Podegrodzie, Poland
alina.basak@insad.pl
     The preparation TOPS, which contains 3% of 3,5,6-TPA, is the latest product designed to control preharvest fruit drop in apple, pear and citrus orchards. In 2005 and 2006, the preparation was used at the Research Institute of Pomology & Flor., in Skierniewice, Poland, on pear trees cv. ′Conference′ growing in two orchards under different climatic and agrotechnical conditions. The preparation TOPS was used in doses of 10 and 15 tablets/ha by spraying the trees 5 weeks before the anticipated harvest date. The tablets, which contain 1 g of the active ingredient per tablet, are easily soluble in water. The dose of the preparation was calculated per 1000 litres of water per ha, but the amount of the preparation per each individual tree depended on the number of trees per ha. The Polish preparation Pomonit Super 050 SL (containing 5% NAA in a salt with triethanolamine) was used in the same way as in commercial orchards (40 ml/100 L at 10 days before harvest). The untreated trees served as the control for both preparations. The effects on the dynamics of fruit drop, fruit quality at harvest and after storage, as well as on shoot growth and subsequent blooming were observed. It was found that 3,5,6-TPA efficiently retarded preharvest fruit drop in pear trees cv. ′Conference′ in 3 experiments, but in 1 experiment on trees with parthenocarpic fruits the compound was found to be ineffective.

PS0622 EFFECT OF BA IN APPLE THINNING DEPENDING ON SOME FACTORS (FORMULATION, ADDITIVES, BLOOM INTENSITY, PHENOLOGICAL STAGE OF FRUITLETS)
Basak, Alina Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture, Pomologiczna 18, 96-100 Skierniewice, Poland
alina.basak@insad.pl
     BA (benzyladenine) is quite a new thinning agent and research must continue to determine its efficiency more precisely. The results of two experiments conducted in 2005 on 9-year-old 'Gala Must'/M26 apple trees, and in 2006 on 10-year-old 'Golden Delicious'/M26 apple trees will be presented. In the first year, the efficiencies of two preparations containing BA: Paturyl 10 WC (10% BA), a product of the Hungarian firm Reanal, and VBC 30001 (1.9% BA), a product of Valent Company, USA, were compared. Both forms of the compound were applied at two doses: 50 and 100 mg/l when fruitlets on old wood were 10-12 mm in diameter. The next year, the preparation VBC 30001 was evaluated. The preparation was used at one concentration only (150 mg/l BA), but at different development stages of fruitlets on old wood, i.e. with fruitlet diameter 7-8 mm, 10-11 mm and 13-14 mm, both on abundantly blooming trees and on those with a weak bloom intensity. Moreover, in three treatments the different doses of VBC 30001 were combined with different doses of NAA with triethanolamine salt (in the Polish preparation Pomonit Super) and used as mixtures on fruitlets 10-12 mm in diameter. For comparison, the product of the Italian firm l.Gobbi, containing a mixture of 41 mg/l BA and 4.1 mg/l NAA, was applied on fruitlets at the same time. The effect on fruit set, average fruit size, the distribution of fruits in size group and some traits of apple quality were evaluated. It was found that the effects of thinning by means of VBC 30001 and Paturyl 10 WSC were comparable and were related to the concentration of BA applied, but not to the formulation. When VBC 30001 was tested on its own, the best thinning effect was noticed in the trees treated when fruitlets were 10-11 mm in diameter, but when it was applied later, on fruitlets 13-14 mm in diameter, it thinned efficiently, too. Earlier applications of VBC 30001 at the 7-8 mm stage thinned inadequately. In the case of poorly blooming trees (302 flower clusters/tree), an increase in fruit set was noticed instead of thinning while the same dose of the preparation applied on abundantly blooming trees (540 flower clusters/tree) produced a significant thinning effect. The joint use of VBC 30001 at 100-150 mg/l in a mixture with NAA at 10-15 mg/l resulted in overthinning. However, when VBC 30001 was used at 50 mg/l BA in a mixture with NAA at 10 mg/l, it produced the best effect comparable with the results of hand thinning. At the same time, the Italian preparation LG 183, a mixture of 41% BA and 4.1% NAA, thinned too, but less efficiently.

PS0623 REDUCED SPRING BUDBREAK IN ALTERNATE BEARING CITRUS: THE ROLE OF FRUIT-PRODUCED HORMONES
Arbona, Vicent, Verreynne, Stephan, Zheng, Yusheng, Lovatt, Carol
Dep. Botany and Plant Sci., University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0124, USA carol.lovatt@ucr.edu, phone 951-827-4663, fax 951-827-4437
carol.lovatt@ucr.edu
     Alternate bearing is a significant problem for citrus growers. For on-crop mandarin (Citrus reticulata) trees, correlative inhibition reduces budbreak of summer and fall vegetative shoots and return bloom. Treatments that stimulated summer-fall shoot growth of on-crop trees failed to increase return bloom due to inhibition of spring budbreak. Spring inflorescence number was related to bud starch (r² = 0.54), isopentyladenosine (IPA) (r² = 0.41) and abscisic acid (ABA) (r² = 0.37) concentrations and ABA:IPA ratio (r² = 0.57) just before bloom (P ¡Ü 0.004). Yield influenced inflorescence number (r² = 0.56) and bud starch (r² = 0.62), ABA (r² = 0.57) and IPA (r² = 0.52) (P ¡Ü 0.006). Yield did not influence bud glucose or IAA concentrations and neither was related to return bloom.

PS0624 EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATIVE SUBSTANCES ON HEIGHT OF ALFALFA
deSoto, Rachel E. Department of Plant Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. Putnam, Daniel H. University of California Cooperative Extention, Department of Plant Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
regrande@ucdavis.edu
     The purpose of this experiment was to observe the effects of plant growth regulative (PGR) substances on the height and growth pattern of alfalfa, (Medicago sativa), particularly to determine if an induced summer dormancy state could be achieved as a water preservation technique. The experiment was conducted using fourteen PGR substances as treatments in a randomized complete block design with four replications under well-watered conditions and repeated under drought conditions in the same field. The repetitions were analyzed as two separate trials. Plant height measurements were taken periodically during the month of July, 2006, between the third and fourth cuttings to determine the effect of the PGR treatments on alfalfa plant height. Measurements were also taken following the fourth cutting to determine residual effects. Initial findings show four substances of interest showing consistently significant growth pattern effects, including Apogee, Atrimmec, B-Nine, and Florel. Both quantitative and qualitative observational data show little effect toward inducing summer dormancy when the alfalfa had access to water. Under drought conditions, alfalfa plant heights were significantly reduced in general, and the same showed significantly different effects on plant height than the control. Further research is needed in order to determine if this technique will be an effective management technique for California alfalfa growers under water transfer conditions in the near future.

PS0625 VEGETATIVE GROWTH RESPONSES OF CITRUS NURSERY TREES TO VARIOUS GROWTH RETARDANTS
Barry, Graham H. ¹, le Roux, Smit ^{2 1} Citrus Research International, Department of Horticultural Science, Stellenbosch University, P. Bag X01, Matieland 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa ² Department of Horticultural Science, Stellenbosch University, P. Bag X01, Matieland 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa
gbarry@sun.ac.za
     As part of a larger study to improve rind colour of citrus fruit, an initial study was conducted to determine the concentration of various gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors required to get a biological response in citrus trees, as measured by vegetative growth. Repeated foliar applications of ProGibb® (4% v/v GA₃) increased growth of ‘Eureka’ lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.] shoots by 63%, with no significant effect on rootstock and scion diameters. Repeated applications of Regalis® (10% v/v Prohexadione-calcium) at various concentrations (1, 2, 4 and 8 g∙L^-1) as well as Sunny® (5% v/v uniconazole) (at 10 and 20 mL∙L^-1) and Cultar® (25% v/v paclobutrazol) (at 10 mL∙L^-1) had no effect on the rootstock or scion diameters 8 months after the first application. Both the 4 and 8 g∙L^-1 Regalis® treatments, both Sunny® treatments and the Cultar® treatment significantly reduced shoot growth. Sunny® at 20 mL∙L^-1 resulted in the most growth retardation which resulted in 34% shorter shoot length than the control. Although the number of nodes on the longest shoot did not differ from the untreated control, internode length differed significantly among treatments. Regalis® at 4 and 8 g∙L^-1, Sunny® at 20 mL∙L-1 and Cultar® at 10 mL∙L^-1 reduced internode length relative to the control by 31%, 56%, 50% and 28%, respectively. Vegetative growth of ‘Eureka’ lemon nursery trees was retarded following the repeated (x4) application of gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors. Regalis® at 4 to 8 g∙L^-1 and Sunny® at 10 to 20 mL∙L^-1 are potential candidates for further field studies to test their effects on rind colour enhancement of citrus fruit.

PS0626 DEVELOPING CONTROL OF PISTILLATE FLOWER ABORTION IN WALNUT TREES AS A NOVEL USAGE OF AVG, AN ETHYLENE BIOSYNTHESIS INHIBITOR.
Lemus, Gamalier ¹; González, Cristián ¹; Retamales, Julio ^{2, 3 1} INIA-Chile, La Platina Exp. Station; ² Valent BioSciences Corporation, Field R&D; ³ Universidad de Chile
julio.retamales@valent.com
     Pistillate flower abortion (PFA) in walnut trees (Juglans regia) has been shown as resulting from excessive pollen load on female flowers, leading eventually to their abscission. Ethylene production has been measured following pollination in walnut trees linking excessive ethylene synthesis to rapid abscission under such circumstances. Evaluations in California and Chile have shown a particularly high incidence of this problem in 'Serr' walnut trees, compromising fruit set and, subsequently, significantly reducing yield in such variety, extensively planted as derived from its high nut quality. A whole program of trials during 3 years has being carried out in Chile to ascertain whether applications of AVG (aminoethoxyvinylglycine), an ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor long used in basic studies and now commercially available, can effectively control PFA in 'Serr' and further walnut varieties. Moreover, trials have allowed to determine most appropriate application times and concentrations of AVG when applied by spraying whole trees in commercial orchards. Results from these studies are showing that AVG applications can be effective in order to overcome PFA and subsequent yield losses in 'Serr' walnut orchards under Chilean Central Valley conditions, enabling to obtain yield levels higher than previously being considered as normal for this variety. This research work led to the available AVG formulation (ReTain®) getting registration for this use in both Chile and USA. Adoption of this practice has been quite rapid and extended among walnut growers in both countries. In our opinion this constitutes a good example of developing further usages for currently available PGRs. Reasons underlying such development will be analyzed.

PS0627 EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATIVE SUBSTANCES ON QUALITY OF ALFALFA
Grande, Rachel. Department of Plant Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. Putnam, Daniel H. University of California Cooperative Extension, Department of Plant Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
regrande@ucdavis.edu
     The purpose of this experiment was to observe the effects of plant growth regulative (PGR) substances on the quality ratings of alfalfa, (Medicago sativa). The experiment was conducted using fourteen different PGR substances as treatments in a randomized complete block design with four replications under well-watered conditions and repeated under drought conditions in the same field. The repetitions were analyzed as two separate trials. Quality analysis was performed on the third and fourth cuttings to determine the effect of the PGR treatments on alfalfa quality as crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber. Initial findings show no significant differences in quality under well-watered conditions.

PS0628 EXPRESSION OF AHNCED1 GENE IN PEANUT ORGANS SUBJECTED TO DEHYDRATION AND DETERMINATION OF AHNCED1 PROTEIN
XiaoHui Liu₁,Bo Hu₁; LiXia Yang₁; Ming Qin₁; Xiaorong Wan_1,2; Ling LI1,_*1 1.Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Biotechnology for Plant Development£¬College of life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China, 510631 2. College of Life Sciences, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Technology, Guangzhou 510225, China£¨_* requests for offprints£©
liling502@126.com
     A rate-limiting step in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis in plants is catalyzed by 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED). We cloned AhNCED1 gene from dehydrated peanut (Arachis hygogaea L.) leaves that encodes a putative NCED. The result of duplex RT-PCR reveals that the expression of AhNCED1 is up-regulated by dehydration and that rehydration represses its expression. To study a variation of AhNCED1 gene expression in different peanut organs of three-leaves stage or legume stage, since peanut of three-leaves stage and legume stage were hypersensitivity to soil drought.







Northern blotting analysis indicated that AhNCED1 gene were significantly up-regulated by drought stresses in all organs of peanut during three-leaves stage. The gene dominantly expressed in both leaf and root. Meantime, the endogenous ABA accumulate predominantly in both leaf and root in response to dehydration. Under a drought condition, the ABA content was obviously higher in leaf and legume. The AhNCED1 gene dominant expression was more higher in leaf and legume. The gene expression and ABA level in stems and roots was less. A good correlation has resulted between the expression of the AhNCED1 genes described in this work and the data of ABA production.







Construction prokaryotic expression vector of AhNCED1 (AhNCED1-pHT) transformed to competent cell DH5a and the gene expression was identified by RT-PCR. With the induction of sense strain by IPTG, the expression AhNCED1 protein 65 KD was observed on SDS-PAGE. The protein was a insolubility protein. It showed that the recombinant (His) 6 fusion protein were purified by Ni-NTA purification system and the purification single protein were obtained.

PS0629 STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY STUDIES OF UNICONAZOLE DERIVATIVES AS STRONG INHIBITORS AGAINST ABA 8'-HYDROXYLASE
Todoroki, Yasushi ¹, Yoneyama, Hidetaka ¹, Kobayashi, Kyotaro ¹, Jin Mei-hong ¹, Hirai, Nobuhiro ², Mizutani, Masaharu ^3
1 Dep. Appl. Biol. Chem., Facul. Agric. Shizuoka Univ., Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; ² Int. Innov. Center, Kyoto Univ., Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; ³ Inst. Chem. Res., Kyoto Univ., Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
aytodor@agr.shizuoka.ac.jp
aytodor@agr.shizuoka.ac.jp
     Specific inhibitors of ABA catabolism are potentially very useful tools for cellular and molecular investigations in the field of plant physiology, and for potential agricultural chemicals. ABA 8'-hydroxylase, a key enzyme of ABA catabolism, is a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase. Many P450 inhibitors are found within the group of azole-containing compounds. The azole-type P450 inhibitors tend to be substantially non-specific, owing to this intrinsic effect of the nitrogen. Uniconazole-P, a well-known azole-containing P450 inhibitor of GA biosynthesis, acts as a very strong inhibitor against ABA 8'-hydroxylase. In this study, we designed and synthesized uniconazole derivatives whose conformation is similar or not similar to uniconazole, for probing 3D-structure-activity relationships for inhibition of ABA 8'-hydroxylase and developing the specific azole-type inhibitor. Our results suggested that the control of the azole ring rotation may be a key for developing the isoform specific azole-type inhibitor against plant P450.

PS0630 ABA SPRAYED TO THE LEAVES INCREASES YIELD IN FIELD-CULTURED GRAPE (VITIS VINIFERA L. CV. CABERNET SAUVIGNON) BY AUGMENTING BERRY SET WITHOUT AFFECTING QUALITY FOR WINEMAKING
Quiroga, Mariela; Cavagnaro, Bruno; Bottini, Rubén Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Alte. Brown 500, M5528AHB Chacras de Coria, Argentina; rbottini@fca.uncu.edu.ar
rbottini@fca.uncu.edu.ar
     In grapes for red-winemaking periods of water restraint is a tool employed to get higher quality although with lower yield. The rationale is that ABA produced by the water-stressed plant controls water losses by regulating stomata, and therefore photosynthesis with decreases in growth and yield, but at the same time either ABA stimulates polyphenol synthesis and/or smaller berries concentrate in the skin more secondary metabolites. We had previously found however that ABA increases yield in other field-cultured species, either via alleviation of the stress (Ilex paraguariensis) or favoring C assimilation-translocation (wheat). In an attempt to give the stress signal but without their undesirable effects, a field experiment was performed during three years with no soil water restriction. During the 2004-5 season ABA 250 mg.L^-1 was sprayed weekly to leaves since 15 days after sprouting; in 2005-6 the treatment was done on the same plants of the year before, or on to a new set; in 2006-7 the spraying was performed on to plants of two, one or zero years of previous applications. In the mid-term ABA did not significantly influence leaf Øw, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, or leaf area. However, ABA consistently increased yield during the three years, ranging between 21 and 102%, without affecting polyphenol total index or anthocyan content either in berries’ skin or in the wine obtained. Yield increases correlated with an enhanced number of berries per bunch.

PS0631 INDUCTION OF POTATO TUBERS UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS BY THEOBROXIDE
Kyong-Hee Nam ¹, Kensuke Nabeta ¹ and, Teruhiko Yoshihara ^{1,2 1} Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan ² Asahikawa University, Women�fs Junior College, Asahikawa, Japan
yosihara@chem.agr.hokudai.ac.jp
     Temperature is one of the major environmental factors affecting potato tuberization. In our previous report, cool temperatures (15 �‹C) were very favorable for tuber induction, while no tubers were induced at high temperatures (30 �‹C). At low temperature, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity increased strongly and endogenous levels of jasmonic acid (JA), tuberonic acid (TA) and tuberonic acid glucoside (TAG) rose, indicating their crucial role in tuber induction. On the other hand, theobroxide, an exogenous potato tuber inducing compound, produced tubers under non-inductive photoperiod conditions and stimulated the activity of LOX and the synthesis of JA and TA. In this study, to examine the effect of theobroxide on the induction of potato tubers, different concentration (0, 1, 5, and 10 mM) of theobroxide was spayed onto the leaves of potato grown at high temperature of 30 �‹C. Theobroxide induced potato tuber at high temperature of 30 �‹C. The plants producing tubers were 20, 60, and 60 % for concentration of 1, 5, and 10 mM, respectively. The maximum number of tubers was observed at a concentration of 5 mM and the maximum fresh weight of tubers was showed at a concentration of 10 mM. Regardless of concentration, the average diameter of tubers was almost same as 0.70, 0.64, and 0.65 cm for concentration of 1, 5, and 10 mM, respectively.

PS0632 EFFECT OF BIO-REGULATOR ON VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION OF M. HUPEHENSIS IN TISSUE CULTURE
Xiao-jiao HAN£¬Hong-qiang YANG*£¬ Shu-zhen YOU (College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, 271000) *Author for Correspondence: Hongqiang Yang, E-mail: labft@sdau.edu.cn
labft@sdau.edu.cn
      The Malus hupehensis is one kind of ornamental plants, commonly used as the rootstock of apple and Chinese flowering crabapple, and used for to manufacture the tea drink which may reduce the animal blood sugar. Malus hupehensis is typical allotriploid (2n = 3x = 51), mainly reproduces the descendant by apogamy way and propagates by seed. The vegetative propagation of M. hupehensis is difficult. In this experiment, stems of seedlings of M. hupehensis Rehd as explants were vaccinated on MS medium for tissue culture and rapid propagation. The results showed that stems of seedlings were used for suitable explants. The medium MS+ BA0.5mg•L-1+ZT0.2mg•L-1+NAA0.1 mg•L-1 was most suitable for plantlet propagation with proliferation coefficient of 15.6.The medium MS+ZT0.2 mg•L-1 +NAA0.1 mg•L-1+7.0g•L-1agar +40 g•L-1 sucrose changed from vitrification to normal effectively with rate of change to normal of 84.2%. The medium 1/2MS+IBA0.5mg•L-1+NAA0.3 mg•L-1 was most suitable for rooting, rooting rate reached 85.6% and mean number of roots was 15.5.

PS0633 INTERACTION BETWEEN GIBBERELLIC ACID AND ETHEPHON IN GROWTH OF RICE SEEDLING
Hajime Watanabe, Shu Hase, and Masahiko Saigusa Grad. School of Agric. Sci., Tohoku Univ., Miyagi 989-6711, Japan.
watanabe@bios.tohoku.ac.jp
     Enhancement of early seedling growth is a major constraint in direct seeding rice cultivations. We investigated the effects of two plant growth regulators (PGRs), gibberellic acid (GA) and ethephon (ET), on the seedling growth under growth chamber and field conditions. Seedling growth was increased by the single treatment of GA or ET over that of the control. However, effects of the combined applications of GA and ET were more pronounced than that of GA or ET alone. The growth of different organs of rice seedling, such as coleoptiles, first leaves and second leaves were also increased by PGRs treatments. In conclusion, enhancement of early seedling growth in direct seeding cultivation is possible by using the proper combinations of PGRs. Effects of GA and ET on the expression of expansin and pathogenesis-related genes will be also assessed.

PS0634 REGULATION OF DROUGHT-RELATED GENES IN ARABIDOPSIS BY BIOFORGE.
Salzman, Ron A^1,2 , Liptay, Albert¹, Stoller, Jerry H¹, Beem, Lance W^{1 1} Stoller Enterprises Inc. Houston, TX 77043, USA ² Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
ra-salzman@tamu.edu
     In addition to documented yield increases, improvements in crop water status in the field have been anecdotally observed in plants treated with Stoller’s Bioforge (diformyl urea). Research into this phenomenon using Arabidopsis thaliana indicated that treatment with Bioforge previous to the imposition of drought increased survival of water-deprived plants by an average of 44% compared to water-only controls. In subsequent experiments on Petri dishes, a phenotype of deeper green leaf color, known to be associated with increased ABA content, was observed under Bioforge treatment. Molecular investigation of these effects by DNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed upregulated expression of the transcription factor Dreb1A, as well as other genes involved in several aspects of drought and oxidative stress tolerance, ABA production, photosynthesis, and genes of unknown function. Taken together, our experiments suggest that Bioforge can activate several gene-expression-based drought tolerance mechanisms in plants, which could account for the increased drought survival observed.

PS0635 POTENTIAL USES OF PROHEXADIONE-CA IN WINE GRAPE PRODUCTION: YIELD RESTRICTION AND CONTROL OF BUNCH AND SOUR ROT
Doerr, Siegfried, Mann, Wolfram, Kopf, Alexander, Kuehn, Annett, Reimann, Stephan, Marr, Jens, Rademacher, Wilhelm BASF Agricultural Center, 67114 Limburgerhof, Germany
wilhelm.rademacher@basf.com
     Treating wine grapes at flowering with 125 to 175 g/ha of prohexadione-calcium reduces berry set by approximately 30%. As a result, yield is restriceted by approximately 20%, which is paralleled by increases in must quality. Another advantage is that the incidence of bunch rot and sour rot at harvest is significantly diminished. So far, the best results have been obtained with Pinot varieties. Reducing GA formation in the early stages of fruit development is seen as the underlying reason for reduced berry formation. Having fewer berries, the clusters of grapes are less dense and less susceptible to fungal infections. This and induced resistance against infections with Botrytis cinerea at flowering are seen as the underlying reasons for reduced incidence of bunch and sour rot at vintage.

PS0636 METHYL JASMONATE DELAYS THE OXIDATION-MEDIATED CAROTENOID DEGRADATION IN PETALS OF YELLOW-PIGMENTED CUT ROSES, AND INHIBITS GENE EXPRESSION OF A CAROTENOID CLEAVGE DIOXYGENASE (CCD)
Glick, Alon ¹, Philosoph-Hadas, Sonia ¹, Vainstein, Alexander ², Meir, Ayala ³, Tadmor, Yaakov ³, Meir, Shimon ^{1 1} Dep. of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, ARO, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel; ² The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences, Rehovot 76100, Israel; ³ Dep. of Cucurbits, ARO, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel
shimonm@volcani.agri.gov.il
     The color intensity and the carotenoid content in petals of the yellow-pigmented rose cultivars ‘Frisco’ and ‘Golden Gate’ increased during the first days of vase life and gradually decreased thereafter. Application of methyl jasmonate (MJ) to the cut roses following harvest increased their petal color intensity and their carotenoid content throughout vase life. This MJ effect could result from either induction of carotenoid biosynthesis and/or reduced carotenoid degradation in the petals. However, simultaneous application of the carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitor, Norflurazon (NF) with MJ showed that MJ delays mainly carotenoid degradation between days 2-6. Using a subtraction library, constructed by MJ-treated vs. non-treated flowers, we have found a variety of MJ-affected genes related to different metabolic pathways including oxidative processes which may be involved in carotenoid breakdown, but no genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis. Incubating the cut flowers in a low oxygen (2%) atmosphere inhibited the loss of petal color and carotenoids, indicating that oxidative processes are involved in carotenoid degradation, possibly via the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) enzyme. Therefore, we have cloned segments of two CCD genes, CCD1 and CCD4, whose expression in rose petals corresponded to the kinetics of carotenoid degradation during vase life. Our results show that at the molecular level, MJ treatment reduced CCD1 expression during six days of vase life, but it did not affect the expression of CCD4, which was recently shown to contribute to whitening of Chrysanthemum petals. These results suggest that MJ may delay the oxidation-mediated carotenoid degradation in rose petals by inhibiting the expression of the CCD1 gene but not the expression of CCD4. However, MJ may still affect CCD4 at the protein level.

PS0637 UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 2,4-D AND NAA IN DELAYING FLORET ABSCISSION IN RED CESTRUM CUT FLOWERS
Abebie, Bekele ^1,2, Lers, Amnon ¹, Philosoph-Hadas, Sonia ¹, Goren, Raphael ², Huberman, Moshe ², Riov, Joseph ² , Meir, Shimon ¹
vtsoniap@volcani.agri.gov.il
     Floret abscission in red cestrum (Cestrum elegans) cut flowers was delayed by the synthetic auxin 2,4-diclorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) after pulse treatment but not by a-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). A significant amount of 2,4-D moved acropetally, sufficient to reduce floret abscission, while NAA failed to do so. In florets and leaves, more 2,4-D remained in its active free form, while NAA was quickly conjugated. We hypothesized that these differences in transport and metabolism of the two auxins might result in differential activation of early auxin responsive genes (Aux/IAA), which were used as molecular markers of auxin activity. Northern hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR results of six different Aux/IAA cDNAs, cloned from the floret abscission zone (AZ), showed temporal and spatial differences in the expression level of their encoding genes, with 2,4-D inducing higher expression levels than NAA. The expression level of all six genes decreased after three days from harvest, and was inversely related to the increased floret abscission during this period. Taken together, our results suggest that due to the differences in transport and metabolism of the two synthetic auxins, more free auxin accumulates in the floret AZ following 2,4-D treatment. This results in turn in activation of the Aux/IAA genes for a longer period than NAA, and in reduction of floret abscission.

PS0638 CROP PLANT PERFORMANCE: VISUAL ESTIMATION OF PLANT HORMONE SIGNALING
Liptay, Albert, Stoller, Jerry H., Salzman, Ron A, Beem Lance W.
aliptay@stollerusa.com
     Crop yields exhibit about 25% of a plant’s genetic potential; we are focusing on how to improve this crop performance, by visualizing crop development in terms of plant hormone signaling. Our commercial, field and lab experience gives an indication that plant hormone signaling can have a greater effect on crop productivity than fertility alone (N,P,K). Moreover, micronutrients also have a crucial and substantial effect on the activity of the plant growth hormones. The unexpected aspect of our work was that when crop yield was improved then generally crop quality was greatly enhanced. Serendipitously we have also found that with improved yields, pest tolerance was also increased (nematodes, viruses, diseases, insects). We are vigorously in pursuit of enhancing crop genetic expression through field, lab and gene regulation studies, focusing on understanding plant hormone signaling to enhance crop productivity. We will present a summary of how we have visualized hormone balance in a plant to maximize genetic expression, and have thus affected crop productivity, crop quality and enhanced pest tolerance.

PS0639 POST FLOWER ABORTION IN NUT TREES: NUT YIELD AS AFFECTED BY HORMONE REGULATION
Beem, Lance W, Liptrap Robert, Stoller Jerry H., Liptay Albert, Salzman Ron A.
lancewilliambeem@aol.com
     Flower development in nut trees often occurs during less-than-ideal weather conditions. Weather can affect the hormone balance during flowering and post flowering periods. Excessive ethylene production can result in flower abortion on certain biotypes of nut trees. The plant growth hormones balance during flowering and post-flowering is critical for retention of nuts. The use of calcium, known as a second messenger, will affect or move auxin in various plant parts. This movement is dependent on application method. Endogenous tryptophan plus zinc applications will increase auxin production, in certain plant tissues. Elements such as boron, cobalt, nickel & silver have been documented to effectively counter or inhibit ethylene production. Field research conducted over three consecutive years in California, on almond and walnut tree crops have shown improvement of nut retention with several elements. Applications of Ca, Co, Cu, Mg, Mn, Mo, and Zn, increased nut retention up to 50% statistically compared to untreated check in replicated plot experiments. This research suggests certain elements have a direct impact on hormone regulation during development of the nut.

PS0640 MECHANISM OF GIBBERELLINS IN REDUCING RUSSET IN ‘GOLDEN DELICIOUS’ APPLE
Curry, Eric United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Tree Fruit Research Laboratory, 1104 North Western Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA
Curry@tfrl.ars.usda.gov
     MECHANISM OF GIBBERELLINS IN REDUCING RUSSET IN ‘GOLDEN DELICIOUS’ APPLE
Curry, Eric
United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Tree Fruit Research Laboratory, 1104 North Western Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA;
Curry@tfrl.ars.usda.gov
Although the apple strives to maintain cuticle integrity against desiccation stress-induced suberin production (russet), certain environmental conditions predispose fruit to so respond. Gibberellins A4+7 have been used for many years to reduce the severity of such physiological russetting with sequential foliar applications during the first 30 days after anthesis. Both untreated fruitlets and those treated with GA4+7 were sampled after each of 4 sequential applications about 7 days apart. Epidermal cell size was evaluated by SEM examination of fixed or freeze-dried receptacle cross sections as well as of enzymatically removed cuticle. Treatment-induced reduction in epidermal cell size is likely the result of enhanced cell division.

PS0641 SPRAYED ABA ENHANCES PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN FIELD-CULTURED SOYBEAN
Travaglia, Claudia ¹; Reinoso, Herminda ¹; Bottini, Rubén ^{2 1} Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Campus Universitario, X5800ARS Río Cuarto; ² Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Alte. Brown 500, M5528AHB Chacras de Coria, Argentina; rbottini@fca.uncu.edu.ar
rbottini@fca.uncu.edu.ar
     This work evaluated the effect of exogenous ABA on to the physiology and yield performance of field-cultured soybean during three years. The hypotheses were that ABA alleviates temporary water stress hence promoting growth, and it upholds carbohydrate re-mobilization towards seeds. ABA 300 mg L^-1 was sprayed at the 7 leaves stage and repeated in anthesis. The results indicate that ABA increased stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in the mid term, with a lower leaf temperature. ABA also augmented the content of leaf pigments. By consequence aerial mass increased because of broad shoots and higher leaf area (although only significant in the upper part of canopy), and shoot soluble carbohydrates were enhanced. The main root of ABA-treated plants was shorter, but with more lateral roots and, importantly, the number and weight of effective nodules were not affected by the hormone. The number of pods per plant was also improved, and the average weight of grains was significantly enhanced. The seeds had higher oil content, without variation in proteins. The results suggest that ABA favored the photosynthetic activity by both, increases in leaf area and pigments. It also confirms results with other species (wheat) in incrementing assimilate export towards storage organs. Such effects were reflected in yield increases, without affecting the seed quality.

PS0642 SCREENING FRUIT LOOSENING AGENTS FOR TABLE OLIVES
Jacqueline K. Burns¹, Louise Ferguson², Kitren Glozer², William H. Krueger³, and Richard C. Rosecrance^{4 1}Horticultural Sciences Department, Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida,700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred Florida, Lake Alfred, FL 33850-2299; ²Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis; ³University of California Cooperative Extension Glenn County, Orland, CA; ⁴California State University, Chico, CA
LFerguson@UCDavis.edu
     The California olive industry relies almost exclusively on the table olive (Olea europaea L.). Increased harvesting costs have intensified industry interest in identifying an abscission agent that can be used with developing mechanical harvesting technologies to increase removal rates. Table olives are harvested immature green at horticultural maturity but before physiological maturity is reached. The ideal abscission agent would be one that selectively loosens target fruit sufficiently to allow removal with mechanical harvesters, but minimizes drop to the ground before harvesting is scheduled. The goal of this research was to reevaluate the potential of ethylene-releasing compounds (ERCs) as olive loosening agents, and to screen additional candidates previously shown to accelerate immature and mature citrus fruit abscission. Fourteen compounds were screened in Fresno and Tehama counties in California in September and October 2006. Compounds were applied at various concentrations alone or in combination to run-off. Fruit detachment force (FDF) and % fruit drop were measured and leaf loss assessed. Of the compounds evaluated, ERCs ethephon and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) were the most efficacious. In whole tree applications, concentrations above 1000 mg L^-1 reduced FDF greater than 50% of the untreated control within 14 days, but leaf drop increased with increasing concentrations. Combination applications of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) with high ethephon concentrations reduced efficacy of ethephon and delayed leaf drop. Monopotassium phosphate + ethephon (4% and 1000 mg L^-1) reduced FDF but leaf loss was as high as the ethephon alone treatment. Compounds such as methyl jasmonate, coronatine, dikegulac, and 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP) were not efficacious.

PS0643 SCREENING OF CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE INHIBITORS
Nobutaka Kitahata¹, Natsumi Noji¹, Shigeo Yoshida¹, Masafumi Tsujimoto¹, Tadao Asami^{2 1} RIKEN,Saitama, Japan; ² Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
no-kita@riken.jp
     Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases play important roles in vitamin A biosynthesis in animals and abscisic acid biosynthesis in plants. Recently, it has been reported that carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases play also important role in regulation of shoot branching in plants. To examine the function of molecules that are synthesized by carotenoid cleavage enzyme, we screened our chemical libraries for new inhibitors of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases.

PS0644 PROMOTIVE EFFECTS OF PENTAKEEP-V CONTAINING 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID AND TRACE ELEMENTS ON CROPS
Toru Tanaka¹, Keitaro Watanabe¹, Shigeyuki Watanabe¹, Tohru Tanaka¹, Kazuya Iwai², Yasutomo Takeuchi^{3 1}Cosmo oil Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan; ²Cosmo seiwa agriculture Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan; ³Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
tor_tanaka@cosmo-oil.co.jp
     We found promotive effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid(ALA) on the growth and yield of several crops at lower concentrations. These effects include increasing photosynthesis, improving and/or maintaining green color of leaves and increasing resistance to environmental stresses.

In addition, ALA when mixed with trace elements promoted growth of several crops including radish, eggplant, rice and barley.

We have developed the new functional fertilizer �hPENTAKEEP-V�h which contains magnesium nitrate, Fe-DTPA and other trace elements. In the poster presentation, we introduce excellent performance of �gPENTAKEEP-V�h in agricultural fields.

For exmple, �gPENTAKEEP-V�h at 0.1 L.ha^-1 to 0.5 L.ha^-1, increased the yield of green pepper(Capsicum annum) fruits increased 15.4% to 25.3% which represents the yield increase 6.4 t.ha^-1 to 10.6 t.ha^-1, and it also decreased the content of NO₃-N of total N in the fruits 17.2% to 21.4%.

PS0645 INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR SPRAY WITH PACLOBUTRAZOL OR GLUTATHIONE ON GROWTH , FLOWERING AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CALENDULA OFFICINALIS L. PLANT
Nahed Abd El Aziz, Mona Mahgoub and Abd Elghany Youssef Department of Ornamental Plants and Woody Trees—Department of Cultivation and Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants ,National Research Centre , Egypt. Prof.Nahed@hotmail.com
Prof.Nahed@hotmail.com
     Influence of foliar spray with paclobutrazol or glutathione on growth , flowering and chemical composition of Calendula officinalis L. plant.



Nahed Abd El Aziz, Mona Mahgoub and Abd Elghany Youssef

Department of Ornamental Plants and Woody Trees—Department of Cultivation and Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants ,National Research Centre , Egypt.

Prof.Nahed@hotmail.com



The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using paclobutrazol or glutathione with levels of 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/l on plant growth , flowering and some chemical composition of Calendula officinalis L. plant grown at the green house of National Research Center , Giza, during two successive seasons of 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. The obtained data indicated that foliar application of most paclobutrazol treatments significantly decreased plant height compared with control treatment while number of branches, fresh weight and dry weight of leaves per plant were increased. All growth parameters were significantly promoted by foliar application of glutathione. In most collections foliar application of glutathione at 150 mg/l gave the highest significant increase in number of flowers/ plant , fresh weight of flowers (g/plant) and dry weight of flowers (g/plant) followed by paclobutrazol 100 mg/l compared with untreated plants. Foliar application of glutathione at 150 mg/l recorded the highest values of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b . However, paclobutrazol and glutathione showed no significant increase in carotenoids contents. The maximal value of total carbohydrates (37.64%) was obtained when 150 mg/l glutathione was applied followed by paclobutrazol (31.42%) at level of 100 mg/l and total nitrogen percentage had the same trend.

PS0646 EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF OVER-PRODUCTION OF ABSCISIC ACID (ABA) ON WHOLE PLANT WATER USE, GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY
Smeeton, Rachel¹, Thompson, Andrew ², Black, Colin¹, Taylor, Ian^{1 1}Plant Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leic., LE12 5RD, UK; ²Warwick HRI, University of Warwick, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9EF, UK. rachel.smeeton@nottingham.ac.uk; Tel +44 (0)115 9516377; FAX +44 (0)115 9516334
rachel.smeeton@nottingham.ac.uk
     The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is a fundamental component of plant responses to water stress. ABA is synthesised via the oxidative cleavage of C40 epoxycarotenoid precursors, a reaction catalysed by the water stress inducible key enzyme 9-cis-epoxycaroteniod dioxygenase (NCED) encoded by the gene LeNCED1 in tomato. We previously transformed tomato plants with a construct constitutively over-expressing the LeNCED1 gene and identified two transgenic lines for further study, sp5 and sp12, which have an elevated ABA content. The additional ABA reduced stomatal conductance under optimal growing conditions and this conserved soil water during periods when wild type plants were profligate in its use; under well-watered glasshouse conditions whole plant transpiration efficiency was 27 and 79% greater in sp12 and sp5 than in WT. This water conserving ability was also evident under water-limited conditions; when sp12 and WT were grown with sub-optimal irrigation, sp12 plants exhibited greater biomass accumulation. Indeed sp12 plants grew at a similar rate under sub-optimal irrigation as WT plants receiving double the irrigation. Implications of engineering high ABA for the physiology, water use and productivity of plants are being evaluated.

PS0647 DORMANT APPLICATION OF ETHEPHON WITH VEGETOIL® THINS PEACH FLOWER BUDS
Reighard, Gregory, Ouellette, David, and Brock, Kathy. Department of Horticulture, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0319, USA grghrd@clemson.edu; phone:864-656-4962; FAX:864-656-4960
grghrd@clemson.edu
     Early removal of flower buds, flowers or small fruitlets increases peach fruit size and value at harvest. Due to the scarcity of labeled or consistent thinning chemicals, peach growers generally wait ~30 days after full bloom before hand-thinning fruit, which limits potential fruit size. Experiments were conducted near Clemson, South Carolina to determine the efficacy of combining Vegetoil® (VO), an emulsified soybean oil adjuvant (93% soybean oil), with Ethrel® (a.i. 21.7% ethephon) for pre-bloom flower bud thinning of peach cultivars. Contender in February 2005, 2006 and 2007, and Cresthaven and Rubyprince in January 2006 and 2007 were sprayed with 10% VO except for Rubyprince in 2006 (8% VO). Ethrel® concentrations used (varied by year) were 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 ppm. Dormant oil at 3% and VO at 10% were the control treatments in 2006 and 2007, respectively. VO (10%) plus Ethrel® at 100 and/or 150 ppm significantly delayed bloom in Contender and Cresthaven in 2006 and in Cresthaven and Rubyprince in 2007. In 2006, VO (10%) significantly reduced the number of flower buds alive at bloom for Contender and Cresthaven, and the addition of Ethrel® to the VO spray significantly increased flower bud mortality when compared to the 10% VO application. There were no differences observed among the Rubyprince treatments in 2006, but the addition of 75 and 100 ppm ethephon slightly increased flower bud death in 2007. Basal flower buds on marked shoots had significantly lower survival than the terminal flower buds in the VO treatments in both years and all cultivars except Cresthaven in 2006. Generally, Rubyprince is easier to flower bud thin with soybean oil than Cresthaven, but the opposite was observed in this study when using the Vegetoil® soybean oil product.

PS0648 POTENTIAL FOR 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE ENHANCEMENT OF LINT YIELD IN COTTON
Cothren, J. Tom, Bynum, Josh B, Scheiner, Justin J., da Costa, Vladimir A. Soil and Crop Sciences Department Texas A&M University Texas Agricultural Experiment Station College Station, Texas 77843-2474, USA
jtcothren@tamu.edu
     The ethylene action inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has shown numerous beneficial physiological effects in countering senescence and stress responses in various species of plants. Studies were conducted with 1-MCP to determine its potential for alleviating stress responses and improving yield and fiber quality of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). The studies investigated different rates of 1-MCP and times of application for their impact on canopy health, fruit retention and development, and ultimately yield and yield parameters. Lint yield was significantly increased in two of three field studies, however none of the parameters investigated explained the observed yield response. Relative chlorophyll content and electrolytic leakage were among the parameters tested and were used as indicators of canopy senescence. Relative chlorophyll content was not affected by 1-MCP treatment at the times it was determined, but electrolytic leakage was increased by a 250 g ha^-1 rate of 1-MCP.



Presenter: jtcothren@tamu.edu, 979-845-0360-phone, 979-845-0456-fax

PS0649 ARTEMISININ IN ARTEMISIA ANNUA PLANTS: POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF GIBBERELLINS ON ITS SYNTHESIS OR ACCUMULATION
Sponsel, Valerie¹, Sanusi, Olabisi¹, Olmos, David¹, Mullens, Conor², Bach, Stephan². Biology¹ and Chemistry² Depts, UTSA, San Antonio, UTSA.
valerie.sponsel@utsa.edu
     Artemisinin, a sesquiterpenoid lactone endoperoxide, is produced in flowering inflorescences of Artemisinin annua (sweet wormwood) plants. Artemisinin derivatives are essential components of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of malaria that is resistant to conventional monotherapies. It is estimated that at least 500 million clinical cases of malaria occur annually, with over a million deaths. A recent report (Zhang et al 2005) shows that treatment of vegetative Artemisia plants with gibberellic acid can increase the yield of artemisinin approximately four-fold. We are re-examining the effect of GAs, and of daylength, on the yield of artemisinin in Artemisia, an obligate short day plant. Artmisinin, which accumulates in glandular hairs on leaves, stems and sepals, is measured in chloroform extracts by LC-MS. Since 2001 56 countries have adopted a WHO-recommended ACT, underscoring the urgent need for artemisinin.

PS0650 IN VITRO CALLUS PRODUCTION OF GINGKO BILOBA FOR THE GROWING AREA OF NUTRACEUTICALS
Marihelen Glass and Monica Haddix Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411
glassm@ncat.edu
     Ginkgo biloba is an important tree for the landscape. It is known as a living fossil because it dates back 270 million years ago in Permian Period. Due to geological cataclysms only two species were left. In 1691,Ginkgo was survived in China. In Chinese Medicine the leaves of the Ginkgo are used for benefiting the brain, as an astringent to the lungs, asthma and cough.

Today, Ginkgo leaf extracts are manufactured and used for poor circulation, heart disease, eye disease, tinnitus, dementia and many other conditions.

Ginkgo leaves are the most extensive studied botanical used today as Nutraceuticals.

The pharmaceutical properties called ginkgolides, known as essential oil. This research was initiated, to compare the amount of ginkgolides produced by callus grown from excised embryos to the amount of the essential oil produced by the leaves.

The Embryos were disinfested and cultures on a Murashige and Skoog minimal organics medium with various combinations of two Auxins, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetis acid (2,4-D) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), to enhance callus growth. The two Cytokinins used were benzyladenine (BA) promotes callus growth and 2iP to promote cell division. Ginkgolides A and B were both found in the callus tissue.

PS0651 EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANTS TO REDUCE PHYSICAL DAMAGE IN MECHANICALLY-HARVESTED ‘MANZANILLO’ OLIVES
Glozer, Kitren 1, Ferguson, Louise 1, Krueger, William 2, Rosecrance, Richard 3, Burns, Jacqueline 4 1 Dept. Plant Sci., Univ. Calif., Davis, CA 95616, USA, 2 Univ. Calif. Coop. Ext., Glenn County, Orland, CA, 95963, USA, 3 Coll. Agric., Calif. State Univ., Chico, CA 95928, USA, 4 Citrus Res. Educ. Center, Univ. Flor., Lake Alfred, Florida, 33850, USA.
LOUISE@uckac.edu
     Several antioxidants were tested for reduction of physical damage induced by simulated mechanical harvest of ‘Manzanillo’ olives in 2006. Different methods of inducing mechanical damage were tested to reproduce as closely as possible the type of damage observed in mechanical harvest trials. Antioxidants tested included glutathione, ascorbic acid, a proprietary lactic/acetic acid solution quercetin and luteolin. Compounds were applied as sprays on single limb replicates prior to induced damage, or as immersions overnight after mechanical damage to simulate drenches. Ascorbic acid applied prior to hand harvest and mechanical damage improved the appearance of fruit after overnight storage by reducing the severity of bruising; luteolin alone and in combination with ascorbic acid also decreased apparent damage.

Keywords: antioxidant, olive, mechanical harvest, mechanical damage, postharvest

PS0652 EFFECT OF DA-6 ON THE COLD-RESISTANCE OF CUCUMBER SEEDLINGS
Guang-jian Liang; Cai-cheng Huang (Department of Biology, Zhaoqing College, CHINA 526061)
gjliang@zqu.edu.cn
     LIANG Guang-jian HUANG Cai-cheng

(Department of Biology, Zhaoqing College, Guangdong CHINA 526061)

The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv.Aoshou No.6) seedlings were treated with different concentrations of DA-6, which chemical name is hexanoic acid 2-diethylamino ethyl ester). 20 mg.L-1 of DA-6 had the best activities of SOD and fewest MDA content of the seedlings than those of the other treated and untreated plants under 5¢J cold stress for 3d and following room temperature recovery, did not increase POD activities under cold stress, however, very significantly increased POD under following recovery. Therefore, the seedlings treated with 20mg/L of DA-6 maintained green under cold stress and following recovery, but the untreated plants became wilting and yellow. The result showed that DA-6 could outstandingly increase cold resistance of cucumber seedlings

Key words: cucumber seedlings; DA-6; cold-resistance