IMPROVEMENTS IN METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF ABSCISIC-ACID AND INDOLE-3-ACETIC-ACID BY HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY

Improvements and simplifications in the early steps of the procedure for analysis of indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are described. These include sample preparation, extraction and purification of the hormones. The method was applied to the leaves of Fagus silvatica and pines of Picea abies. With acetonitrile as extraction solvent, the hormones were recovered with high efficiency and the amounts of other substances were reduced. Partitioning of the extract between chloroform and water at different pH values obviates the need for laborious methods for prepurification of the material, simplifies the procedure and permits the use of an analytical column for further purification of the hormones by HPLC. Some terms used for characterization of the analysis are discussed.