Ethylene: a factor in defoliation induced by auxins.
Aerial sprays of synthetic auxins defoliate many species of tropical trees. Treatment of Euonymus japonica leaves with the n-butyl ester of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid causes premature senescence and leaf fall and stimulates ethylene production by the blade 5-to 25-fold. Exposure to ethylene alone similarly accelerates senescence and leaf fall. Evidence indicates that the defoliant action of auxin is mediated through the enhanced amounts of ethylene in the blade.
D005030:Ethylenes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006540:Herbicides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014197:Trees / Q000187:drug effects
D005030:Ethylenes; D006540:Herbicides; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators