Detection of plant hormone activity

We offer a plant hormone activity detection service in biological samples from various sources, provided by the customer. Each performance involves conducting bioassays to determine the hormonal activity present in biological samples or extracts. We use bioassays in plants, adapted according to the physiological parameter to be analyzed, to evaluate the activity of the samples by comparing them with reference hormones as a control. Our methodology is adjusted according to the type of sample and/or biological extract available.

Methodology

The activity of phytohormones present in biological samples and/or extracts shall be determined through bioassays in plants. The activity of biological samples and/or extracts shall be compared with reference hormones as a control. Bionesayos will be adjusted according to the physiological parameter to be analyzed:
- Main root growth to measure auxinas (Iglesias et al. 2014).
- Delay of senescence in cotyledons for cytokines (Fletcher et al. 1982).
- Promoting the growth of lettuce hypocotyls for gibberellins (Silk & Jones 1975; Salcedo et al. 2020)
The proposed methodology shall be selected according to the type of biological sample and/or extract available.

Implementing

Our service has applications in scientific research, agriculture-horticulture, among others. For example, in scientific research, the detection of phytohormones activity is crucial to study the mechanisms of regulation of plant growth and development. In agriculture and horticulture, it can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural products such as fertilizers, growth regulators and plant protection products.

Frequently asked questions

How are bioassays performed on plants to detect the activity of phytohormones?
The methodology is adapted according to the type of hormone to be analyzed. First, we select suitable model plants for study and treat them with biological samples or extracts that potentially contain phytohormones. Then, we observe and measure physiological or growth changes in treated plants compared to a control. These changes may include alterations in the growth of roots, leaves, stems or other organs, as well as the response to specific stimuli induced by hormones. The results are analyzed and compared with known patterns of hormonal activity to determine the presence and level of phytohormones activity in the samples.

What kind of physiological parameters are evaluated in bioassays for each type of phyto-hormone?
We evaluate different physiological parameters according to the type of phyto-hormone being analyzed. For example, to evaluate auxin activity, we measure the growth of the main root of treated plants compared to control. In the case of cytokines, we observed the delay of senescence in cotyledons as an indicator of activity. And for gibberellins, we analyzed the growth promotion of lettuce hypocotyls.

Technical Responsible

Dr. Andrea Yamila Mansilla
2235186382
amansill@mdp.edu.ar