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Hormone Profiling by LC-QToF-MS/MS in Dormant Macadamia integrifolia: Correlations with Abnormal Vertical Growth

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Abstract

A method for analyzing multiple plant hormone groups in small samples with a complex matrix was developed to initiate a study of the physiology of abnormal vertical growth (AVG) in Macadamia integrifolia (cv. HAES344). Cytokinins (CKs), gibberellins (GAs), abscisic acid (ABA), and auxins were detected in xylem sap and apical and lateral buds using high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS/MS). The extraction method separated compounds with high sensitivity in positive (CKs) and negative (ABA, auxins, GAs) modes of QToF-MS/MS. CK profiles differed in xylem sap and apical and lateral buds irrespective of AVG symptoms. Trans-zeatin riboside (t-ZR) was dominant in sap of normal and AVG trees (∼4 and 6 pmol g−1 FW, respectively). In apical buds isopentenyl adenine (iP) (∼30 pmol g−1 FW) was the most abundant CK, and in lateral buds trans-zeatin (t-Z) (22–24 pmol g−1 FW) and iP (24–30 pmol g−1 FW) were the most abundant. t-Z levels of AVG trees were higher in apical buds (13.88 vs. 6.6 pmol g−1 FW, p < 0.05) and lower in sap (0.16 vs. 0.51 pmol ml−1, p < 0.005) compared to normal trees. ABA in lateral buds was 1.9 times higher (p < 0.001) in AVG. IAA was below quantification, whereas indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was consistently present. GA7 was the dominant GA in apical and lateral buds of all trees (100–150 pmol g−1 FW). GA3, 4, & 9 were consistently present at low concentrations (<12 pmol g−1 FW) in buds. GAs1, 3, & 9 were detected in xylem sap at low concentrations (<0.5 pmol g−1 FW). Differences in sap amino acids (AA) were also assessed. In sap from AVG trees, asparagine and glutamine increased significantly (p < 0.05) in their contribution to total AA. Potential AVG hormone correlations are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Patrick O’Farrell (Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries), Horticulture Australia, and The Australian Macadamia Society for funding this project. They thank Chris Wood (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Queensland) is thanked for assistance with LC-MS/MS and Eugene Kaiser for access to orchard trees.

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  1. School of Integrative Biology, University of Queensland, John Hines Building, Mansfield Place, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia

    Andrew T. Fletcher & Johanna C. Mader

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Correspondence to Johanna C. Mader.

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Fletcher, A.T., Mader, J.C. Hormone Profiling by LC-QToF-MS/MS in Dormant Macadamia integrifolia: Correlations with Abnormal Vertical Growth. J Plant Growth Regul 26, 351–361 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-007-9023-6

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