Influence of γ-irradiation on the expression of encoding ABA metabolism enzymes in barley embryos

Background . Small doses of radiation stimulate the growth and development of plants including seed germination. ABA plays a key role not only in seed dormancy and germination but also in the regulation of adaptive reactions of plants. The aim of our work was to study the effect of γ-irradiation of barley seeds in a small doses on the expression of genes encoding ABA biosynthesis enzyme 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (HvNCED1) and catabolism enzyme ABA 8’-hydroxylase (HvABA8’OH-1). Materials and Methods . The barley seeds were irradiated at dose range of 4–50 Gy at a dose rate of 60 Gy/h, the radiation source was 60Co. The study was carried out in the embryos within the first 30 hours after germination. Relative gene expression was investigated using real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Results . It was shown that γ-irradiation of barley seeds changes the expression of ABA biosynthesis and catabolism genes in all experimental groups. Conclusion . This alterations can lead to a decrease the ABA content under irradiation with stimulating doses and increase the biosynthesis of phytohormone under irradiation with inhibitory dose.