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The phenolic, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, is an endogenous regulator of rooting in Protea cynaroides

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Abstract

Analysis of stem extracts identified large quantities of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and other similar phenolics. The exogenous application of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid on Protea cynaroides explants in vitro significantly increased the root mass at 100 mg l−1, but not at lower concentrations, while root inhibition was observed at 500 mg l−1. HPLC analysis of cuttings during vegetative propagation showed a considerable increase in 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid levels from initial planting to when root formation took place, indicating for the first time that 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid may be an important phenolic compound in regulating root formation in P. cynaroides cuttings. HPLC analysis also identified caffeic, ferulic, gallic and salicylic acids in the cuttings.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to Dr. S. O. Duke for his invaluable advice and discussions during this research. The authors also thank Dr. Gordon Bredenkamp for providing the plant materials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

    H. C. Wu, E. S. du Toit & C. F. Reinhardt

  2. Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, ARS, USDA, USA

    A. M. Rimando

  3. Department of Botany, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

    F. van der Kooy & J. J. M. Meyer

Authors
  1. H. C. Wu
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  2. E. S. du Toit
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  3. C. F. Reinhardt
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  4. A. M. Rimando
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  5. F. van der Kooy
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  6. J. J. M. Meyer
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Correspondence to H. C. Wu.

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Wu, H.C., du Toit, E.S., Reinhardt, C.F. et al. The phenolic, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, is an endogenous regulator of rooting in Protea cynaroides . Plant Growth Regul 52, 207–215 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-007-9191-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-007-9191-1

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