Influence of gibberellic acid on hydrolytic enzymes activity in germinating different-aged lupin seeds

Abstract

The influence of GA₃ -on the germination of different-aged lupin seed and α-amylase, protease and ribonuclease activity in the embryonic axis and cotyledons of these seeds were investigated after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of germination. GA₃ treatment of older seeds greatly reduced the per cent of abnormal seedlings and increased ribonuclease activity, and, at the beginning of germination, also of amylase, whereas protease activity remained unchanged. Young seeds did not show any definite reaction to GA₃ with the exception of a slight increase in ribonuclease activity.