Abscisic acid in developing zygotic embryos of Theobroma cacao

Abstract

Abscisic acid (ABA) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in developing zygotic embryos of Theobroma cacao. ABA was detected in all embryos tested, with a peak of ABA at levels of 1 to 3 micrograms per gram fresh weight during early maturation. This corresponded to embryos of 10 to 30% dry weight and to early stages of anthocyanin and lipid accumulation.