The IAA-oxidase System of Citrus Roots

The activity of indoleacetic acid oxidase in citrus plants (roots of mature trees and roots and stems of seedlings) was demonstrated. The interrelationships between 2,4-dichlorophenol, Mn(++) and the enzymatic activity were examined. The presence of Mn(++) was not found necessary, even in dialyzed enzyme reaction mixtures. However, Mn(++) promoted the enzymatic activity at the very high concentration of 10(-1)M. The inhibitory effect induced by excessive amounts of 2,4-dichlorophenol (10(-3) M) was removed in the presence of Mn(++).The enzyme showed a specificity to IAA as compared with other synthetic auxins in a wheat coleoptile bioassay. Moreover, the enzyme acted selectively on some endogenous auxins found in citrus tissues.The existence of endogenous inhibitors in stems and cofactors in roots was also demonstrated.