Rapid Effects of Indoleacetic Acid and Ethylene on the Growth of Intact Pea Roots

Root auxanometers were used to determine the growth rates of individual intact primary roots accurately and quickly. The growth of pea (Pisum sativum L.) roots was inhibited by both indoleacetic acid and ethylene within 20 minutes. A supramaximal concentration of ethylene inhibited root growth less than did 5 to 20 mum indoleacetic acid, indicating that inhibition of root growth by auxin was not due only to indoleacetic acid-induced ethylene production. Inhibition of root growth was largely relieved within 60 minutes of removal of both growth regulators.