Extracellular Production of Abscisic Acid by Soil Algae Under Salt, Acid or Drought Stress

Abstract

The common soil green algae Chlorella vulgaris and Stichococcus hacillaris increase extracellular abscisic acid (ABA) production under salt, acid or drought stress 5 - 1 0 times. Production o f ABA also increases from young to senescent cultures 2 - 3 times. The relationship between age o f cultures and reaction to stress factors was found. Extracellular ABA levels are 1 - 2 times higher than cellular ones. Possible influence o f ABA to soil microbial associations, growth o f plants and soil fauna is discussed from an ecological point o f view. © 1992, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.