Early Effects of Boron Deficiency on Indoleacetic Acid Oxidase Levels of Squash Root Tips

The indoleacetic acid (IAA) oxidase activity of root tips of boron-sufficient, -deficient, recovering, and IAA-treated boron-sufficient squash plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) was determined. Apical and subapical root sections displayed an increase in IAA oxidase activity between 6 and 9 hours after boron was withheld, and after 24 hours the activity of the apical sections showed a 20-fold increase over +B controls. Root elongation of -B plants was inhibited before an increase in oxidase activity could be detected. Roots of plants subjected to 12 hours of -B treatment and then transferred to +B treatment for recovery regained normal elongation rates and oxidase activity within 18 to 20 hours. IAA treatment of +B plants increased IAA oxidase activity of apical and subapical root sections and also inhibited root elongation and caused symptoms similar to -B treatments.These results have demonstrated the earliest enzymic change for intact boron-deficient plants. The results are in agreement with the theory that boron deficiency symptoms may be the result of supraoptimal endogenous levels of IAA. These high levels of IAA may inhibit cell division and lead to an induction of the IAA oxidase enzyme.