Metabolism of ingested auxins in the bug Lygus disponsi: Conversion of indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellin

Abstract

Metabolism of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA) in the gut of the bug Lygus disponsi was investigated. IAA was converted to some IAA metabolites with auxin activity in vivo but not in vitro. They were ninhydrin and anilinehydrogenphthalate negative. GA was not converted in vivo. By means of Avena straight growth test auxin activity was not detected in either the salivary gland of IAA-feeding bugs nor in the salivary gland of GA-feeding bugs. The significance of IAA conversion in the gut of L. disponsi is discussed. © 1977.