Effect of 2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid on capsule formation and alkaloid content in Papaver somniferum

Abstract

Application of different concentrations of ethephon (2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid) to Papaver somniferum L. at the times of stem elongation, bud, and capsule formation produced different effects. Ethephon (10‐2M) retarded growth of the plant and inhibited capsule formation during stem elongation, significantly reduced capsule size during the flowering period, but did not alter capsule development during capsule formation. When applied during the period of stem elongation, ethephon (10‐3M and 10‐4M) reduced capsule size; alkaloid accumulation was reduced by ethephon at a concentration of 10‐3M, but slightly increased by 10‐4M. Ethephon (10‐3M and 10‐4M) did not alter capsule development or alkaloid content significantly when applied during bud formation, but stimulated capsule size and alkaloid content when applied during capsule formation. Pretreating the plants with Ag+ (silver nitrate) did not reverse the ethephon effect. The results suggest that capsule maturation and alkaloid accumulation in P. somniferum are modified by ethylene, which is produced as a result of exogenous ethephon treatment.