Summary
When fronds of the semi-aquatic fern Regnillidium diphyllum Lindman are submerged the rachi elongate much more than when in contact with the air. Submergence appears to have two consequences that account for the enhanced elongation. Firstly, ethylene accumulates in the tissue and secondly, the hollow fronds are buoyed upward from the rhizome, continuously creating a tension in the rachi. The effect of ethylene is a rapid enhancement of cell elongation. It is suggested that ethylene softens the cell walls which are then stretched by the tensile force resulting from buoyancy.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barkley, G.M., Evans, M.L.: Timing of the auxin response in etiolated pea stem sections. Plant Physiol. 45, 143–147 (1970)
Evans, M. L., Ray, P. M.: Timing of the auxin response in coleoptiles and its implications regarding auxin action. J. gen. Physiol. 53, 1–20 (1969)
Jackson, M. B., Osborne, D. J.: Ethylene, the natural regulator of leaf abscision. Nature (Lond.) 225, 1019–1022 (1970)
Musgrave, A., Jackson, M. B., Ling, E.: Callitriche stem elongation is controlled by ethylene and gibberellin. Nature (Lond.) 238, 93–96 (1972)
Musgrave, A., Walters, J.: Ethylene-stimulated growth and auxin transport in Ranunculus sceleratus petioles. New Phytologist 72, 783–789 (1973)
Penny, P.: The rate of response of excised stem segments to auxins. N.Z.J.Bot. 7, 290–301 (1969)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Musgrave, A., Walters, J. Ethylene and buoyancy control rachis elongation of the semi-aquatic fern Regnillidium diphyllum . Planta 121, 51–56 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00384005
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00384005