Inhibition of auxin-induced cell expansion in Jerusalem artichoke tuber slices by low concentrations of chloramphenicol.

D-threo chloramphenicol (CAP) at 5×10(-5) M, given continuously during a 24-hr aging period and subsequent post-age treatment with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)±kinetin markedly depressed cell expansion in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) tuber slices. Both the rate and total amount of expansion were reduced. An inhibitory effect of CAP could be detected at a concentration as low as 6.2×10(-6)M with 2,4-D alone and 1.6×10(-6) M with 2,4-D+kinetin. CAP also inhibited if given with 2,4-D to unaged tissue, and partially inhibited growth of aged tissue when supplied only during or only after aging. Expansion was inhibited when IAA was used in place of 2,4-D. Growth of tissue slices free of detectable bacteria was depressed by CAP, eliminating a possible indirect action of the antibiotic through inhibition of beneficial bacteria. CAP also prevented appearance of pink and brown pigments which normally occur in association with auxin-treated tissues. L-threo CAP did not inhibit growth or pigment formation. Cell division in the tuber slices was not inhibited, and was possibly even stimulated, by D-threo CAP, even at a concentration of 2×10(-4) M. It is concluded that the use of CAP for bacterial control in plant cultures can be hazardous and needs careful checking. Presumably the inhibitory action of CAP results from inhibition of growth-dependant protein metabolism in mitochondria and/or plastids which occurs both during aging and post-aging growth. Partial suppression of metabolic changes during aging would maintain the tissue in a state favouring relatively high mitotic activity and slow growth in response to auxin.