The effect of GA3 on psoralens and on columbianetin, a phytoalexin associated with celery resistance to pathogens during storage.

The effect of GA 3 on concentration of psoralens and the phytoalexin columbianetin involved in celery (Apium graveolens) resistance to pathogens during storage was reported. After one month of storage at 1°C, incidence ofcelery decay increased from zero (before storage) to 35%, and the concentration of columbianetin decreased from 46 to 6 μg g- 1 FW. Concentration of psoralens during that time increased from 10 to 62 pg g-1 FW. When celery was treated with GA 3 prior to storage, incidence of decay increased only to 4%. Concentrations of columbianetin decreased to 23 pg g- 1 FW and of psoralens increased only to 28 pg g-1 FW.