Synthesis of gibberellin GA6 and its role in flowering of Lolium temulentum

The induction of flowering by one long day (LD) in the grass Lolium temulentum is most closely mimicked by application of the gibberellins (GAs) GA(5) or GA(6), both of which occur naturally. These gibberellins promote floral development but have little effect on stem elongation. Endogenous GA(5) and GA(6) contents in the shoot apex double on the day after the LD and, for GA(5) (and we presume for GA(6) as well) reach a concentration known to be inductive for the excised shoot apex in vitro. They are, therefore, strong candidates as LD floral stimuli in this grass. The synthesis of GA(6) and an examination of its florigenic properties in L. temulentum are described. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.