title: Auxin modification of the incompatibility response in Theobroma cacao.
abstract: The time course and control of floral abscission and fruit set in Theobroma cacao were studied after spray application of growth regulators. 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) prevented flower abscission in a concentration dependent manner and induced the early stages of fruit development. The cytokinin benzylaminopurine (BAP) counteracted NAA but resulted in longer fruit retention. Measurements of endogenous levels of indole-3-acetic acid showed an inverse correlation between the number of flowers per plant and auxin content. The results suggest that the genetic control of self-incompatibility in T. cacao may be modulated by the hormonal content of the flower.
authors.affiliation: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Biology Department, PO Box 42451, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA; Providence College, Biology Department, Providence, RI 02918, USA.
authors.forename: K. H.
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Hasenstein
authors.forename: M. S.
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Zavada