Distribution of cytokinin‐like activity in different plant parts of the water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes

Abstract

Cytokinin‐like activity in extracts of leaf laminae, petioles, shoots, roots and flowers of young plants of the water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes S. was analyzed following Sephadex LH‐20 column chromatography using the soybean callus bioassay. In all plant parts analyzed, two prominent peaks of cytokinin activity having elution volumes similar to zeatin and zeatin riboside were detected. Putative cytokinin gluco‐side‐like activity was detected only in leaves and flowers. The cytokinin complements of the leaves and the roots were qualitatively different. It would appear that cytokinins supplied by the roots are metabolized in the leaves or certain cytokinins are synthesized in the leaves themselves. The possible significance and distribution of cytokinins in different plant parts in relation to roots is discussed.

Secondary Metabolites ofEichhornia crassipes(Waterhyacinth): A Review (1949 to 2011)

“…The cytokinin complements of the leaves and the roots were qualitatively different. Cytokinins supplied by the roots are metabolized in the leaves, and certain cytokinins are synthesized in the leaves themselves [101]. Larvicidal, pupicidal and repellent activity carried out on the light petroleum, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts, and methanol and ethanol fractions against Culex quinquefasciatus in our laboratory showed good activity.…”