Abstract: The phenological stages in seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. Subsp. sinensis Rousi and H. thibetana Schlechted) distributed naturally over an area of Wushao ridge were observed. The changes in levels of endogenous phytohormones GA3, iPA, zeatin, IAA and ABA were investigated systematically during development and ripening periods in the two sorts of fruits. The results showed that two peak values of GA3 level in seeds were detected (in 105—109 days and 128--132 days after anthesis). The first peak value of isopentenyl adenine (IPA) in seeds was determined in 92--96 days when the fruit was starting to change its colour and just right now the zeatin first appeared. The iPA content reached the second peak value in 127-136 days after anthesis during fruit full ripening and beginning to deciduous leaf and the maximum of zeatin in seeds appeared near the same time (in 127 days after anthesis). It was remarkable that the zeatin content in fruit stalk and flesh still was kept on high level, in the meantime the zeatin level in seeds dropped down rapidly. Based on the facts that the time of the first peak value in GA3 and iPA level is close to the date when ABA is first detected, and the date of second peak value in GA3, iPA and IAA is coincident with the time of maximum in ABA and zeatin levels make it reasonable to consider that the balance of phytohormones may be more important than absolute amounts of any single hormone during the periods of fruit development and ripening, and meanwhile it also proved that GA3 and CTK play an important regulatory role in controlling fruit ripening and colour changing process of seabuckthorn fruit.

Key words: Seabuckthorn, GA3, iPA, Zeatin