CHEMICAL INDUCTION OF TRAUMATIC GUM DUCTS IN CHINESE SWEETGUM, LIQUIDAMBAR FORMOSANA

Abstract

The effect of ethephon (Et) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the induction of traumatic gum ducts (TGDs) was studied in Chinese sweetgum, Liquidambar formosana, a broad-leaved tree species. Lanolin pastes with concentrations of 1, 2 and 5% (w/w) of these chemicals were applied to the intact bark of the trees in May, July and September without any wounding. The trees did not show any response to the treatment of MeJA, but TGDs were formed in response to treatment with Et. Trees treated with Et in the active growing season (May) produced more rows of TGDs than those treated in July or September, suggesting a strong relationship between cambial activity and susceptibility to TGD induction. These results are discussed in comparison with responses of conifers and some angiosperms to MeJA and Et treatments with and without associated wounding reported in the literature.