Control of Chlorophyll Degradation in Detached Leaves of Barley and Oat through Effect of Kinetin on Chlorophyllase Levels

Chlorophyllase seems to be responsible for the degradation of chlorophyll during senescence of detached leaves of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and oat (Avena sativa). Treatment at temperatures higher than 40°C — which protects against chlorophyll loss — lowers the level of chlorophyllase. Kinetin treatment lowers the level of chlorophyllase in barley leaves and prevents its rise in oat leaves after their detachment. Synthesis of proteins in both cytoplasm and chloroplast seems to be required in order to maintain a high level of Chlorophyllase in barley leaves after detachment.