Influence of ozone and acid mist on the contents of gibberellic acid (GA3) in spruce needles (Picea abies (L.) Karst).

Abstract The phytohormone GA 3 in needles from 4-year-old Norway spruce trees was analyzed after treatment with ozone and acid mist in environmental chambers under controlled conditions. GA 3 was extracted with methanol from the lyophilized material. Subsequent purification steps included the use of polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP), cartridge reversed-phase purification, ethylacetate extraction and HPLC. The GA 3 was determined in the methylated form by means of a highly specific and sensitive enzyme immunoassay. Higher GA 3 contents were detected in young needles (year 1987) as compared to older ones (year 1986). However, no statistically significant differences were found in the GA 3 levels between the controls and the needles of trees which were treated with increased levels of ozone and acidic mist.