ETHYLENE PRODUCED BY PLANT CELLS IN SUSPENSION CULTURES

ETHYLENE is produced by plants, fungi and mammals1,2. In plants ethylene is involved in the fruit ripening process, production of flowers and other processes of plant development2-5. The formation of ethylene by plants is increased by the application of growth regulators such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)6 and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)7. We have analysed plant cell suspension cultures to look for the production of ethylene and have examined the effect of 2,4-D and NAA on the amounts produced. © 1968 Nature Publishing Group.