Ethylene Interacts with Auxin in Regulating Developmental Attenuation of Gravitropism in Flax Root

Abstract

Previous research shows that gravity-sensing in flax (Linum usitatissimum) root is initiated during seed imbibition and precedes root emergence. In this study we investigated the developmental attenuation of flax root gravitropism post-germination and the involvement of ethylene. Gravity response deteriorated significantly from 3 to 11 h after root emergence, which occurred at around 19 h after imbibition (that is, from “age” 22 to 30 h). Although the root elongation rate increased from 22 to 30 h, the gravitropic curving rate declined steadily. Older roots were able to tolerate higher levels of exogenous IAA before inhibition of elongation and gravitropism occurred. The age-dependent effect of IAA on root growth and gravitropism suggests that young roots are more sensitive to auxin and respond to a smaller vertical auxin gradient than older roots upon horizontal gravistimulation. The ethylene synthesis inhibitor AVG (2-aminoethoxyvinyl glycine, 10 μM) or ethylene action inhibitor Ag⁺ (10 μM) stimulated gravitropic curvature of 30 h roots by 24 and 32%, respectively, but had no effect on 22 h roots, suggesting that as roots age, ethylene begins to play a role in root gravitropism. The auxin transport inhibitor NPA (N-naphthylphthalamic acid, 50 μM) reduced gravitropic curvature of 30 h roots by 24% but had no effect on 22 h roots. On the other hand, treating roots simultaneously with the auxin transport inhibitor and ethylene synthesis or action inhibitor stimulated gravitropic curvature of 30 h roots but not 22 h roots. Taken together, these data indicate that as roots develop, their weakened gravity response is due to decreased auxin sensitivity and possibly auxin transport regulated by ethylene.