A rapid method for the extraction and analysis of abscisic Acid from plant tissue

A simple, economical, and rapid method for the purification of plant extracts prior to abscisic acid (ABA) analysis is described. The method makes use of silica Sep-pak prepacked cartridges. The ABA extracts are loaded on to the Sep-pak cartridges which are then washed with a series of solvents resulting in the removal of pigments and other unwanted compounds. The ABA is then eluted from the cartridge and the levels of this hormone are estimated by gas chromatography. The whole technique (from maceration of the tissue to measurement of ABA levels) takes only 2 to 3 hours per sample.