Some factors regulating auxin translocation in intact bean seedlings

Several factors which influence the translocation patterns of stem-injected indoleacetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid in bean seedlings (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Stringless Greenpod) were characterized. The acropetal translocation of auxin from the site of injection is markedly sensitive to concentration in the range of 1.0 to 5.0 micrograms per plant. The antiauxin p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid enhanced translocation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid to the growing shoots and primary leaves. Translocation to the roots was unaffected by p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid while leaching of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid into the nutrient solution was enhanced slightly. Steam girdling experiments revealed that translocation to the primary leaves was in the xylem. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, inhibited accumulation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid in young shoots, epicotyls, and roots and enhanced accumulation in the primary leaves. The relative exchangeability of auxin between xylem and phloem is discussed in terms of regulation of auxin movements in intact bean seedlings.