Abstract: In the present study, we investigated the role of gibberellic acid (GA3) and indole acetic acid (IAA) in the gravity response of stems and tension wood formation using two-year-old stems of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var. japonica Maxim seedlings. Forty-five seedlings were used and divided into nine groups that included five seedlings in each group. Seedlings were treated with applications of GA3 alone at concentrations of 2.89 × 10–8 and 2.89 × 10–7 μmol/L, IAA alone at concentrations of 5.71×10–8 and 5.71×10–7 μmol/L, or their combination to the apical bud of the stem using a micropipette. Seedlings were positioned horizontally after the first treatment. The same treatments were repeated six times per week. At the end of the experiment, all seedlings were harvested. Then, stem segments were cut under a light microscope. Application of exogenous GA3 at the higher concentration stimulated the upward bending of stems, whereas exogenous IAA had no effect. A synergistic effect of GA3 and IAA on upward stem bending was observed following application of the two combinations of GA3 and IAA. Moreover, application of exogenous GA3 at the higher dose stimulated wood formation on both the upper and lower sides of the stems, whereas the mixture of GA3 and IAA had a synergistic effect on wood formation in horizontal stems. Application of exogenous IAA alone at the lower concentration (5.71×10–8μ mol/L) or application of a mixture of the higher concentrations of GA3 (2.89 × 10–7 μmol/L) and IAA (5.71×10–7μmol/L) inhibited the development of gelatinous fibers (the G-layer) of tension wood on the upper side of the horizontal stems. The differentiation of gelatinous fibers of tension wood was not inhibited by GA3 when it was applied alone, whereas the development of the gelatinous fibers of tension wood was strongly affected by the application of IAA. The findings of the present study suggest that the development of the G-layer is not related to the dose of GA3, but needs a relatively lower concentration of IAA.(Author for correspondence.Tel: 022 2350 4732; Fax: 022 2350 4732; E-mail: jiangsha@nankai.edu.cn)

Key words: Fraxinus mandshurica, gibberellic acid, indole acetic acid, interaction, negative gravitropism, tension wood.