Correlative Changes in Endogenous Hormone Levels and Shoot Growth Induced by Short Heat Treatments to the Root

Heat treatments of two minutes at 46 to 47°C to root systems of Nicotiana rustica and Phaseolus vulgaris affected roots and shoots. Xylem exudate of Phaseolus was collected, and it was found that heat treatment reduced cytokinin levels and increased abscisic acid levels in the exudate. Shoot and root growth of both species was reduced. Root membrane integrity of Nicotiana was measured and was found to be impaired. It is suggested that the changes in hormone activity due to heat treatment regulate the reduction in shoot growth. Cell wall metabolism and glucosyl transferases making β‐glucans were investigated in Phaseolus leaves. Incorporation of 14C from 14CO2 into wall constituents was slightly inhibited but neither photosynthesis nor extracted β‐glucan synthetases were affected during the first 12 hours after treatment.