Effect of gibberellic acid on ion uptake selectivity in pea seedlings.

Gibberellic acid reduced the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus relative to the cations, a common reponse in the three pea cultivars studied. In addition, in the cv. Progress, it increased the uptake of calcium relative to magnesium and potassium. No effect in the proportion in which cations are absorbed was noticeable in the other two varieties. Ion uptake is modified by gibberellic acid through its influence on the sink strength of the shoot, the size and geometry of the root system, and the selectivity in uptake. The overall effect may result in a stimulation or an inhibition, depending on the ion considered and the pea cultivar.