Indole-3-acetic Acid in Douglas Fir

We sought evidence for the occurrence and seasonal variation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in shoots of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco).Collections obtained in December and June were extracted with methanol and diethyl ether. Extracts were purified by solvent partitioning and with Sephadex LH-20. Qualitative and quantitative information was acquired by gas-liquid chromatography of methyl, trimethylsilyl, or both derivatives of plant extract components. Analysis was performed with polar (XE-60) and moderately polar (Hi-Eff-8-BP) stationary phases. Results from three collections demonstrated that IAA does occur in Douglas fir and that amounts vary seasonally. Mass analysis of the proposed endogenous IAA peak from two representative extracts supported gas-liquid chromatography data and established the presence of IAA in Douglas fir.