Biochemical and Molecular Markers of Auxin Induced Senescence in Mustard Seedlings

The objective of the present study was identification and characterization of the biochemical and molecular events during senescence. Senescence is known to be an active developmental process and not a passive degradative process. Accordingly a set of biomolecules, namely phtohormones (IAA), ethylene and abscisi acid (ABA), generation of signaling molecules and induction of enzyme, for e.g. catalase, constitute the components of active process of senescence. 2, 4-D induced senescence pathway was the focus of the present study. Native auxin (IAA) and synthetic auxin (2, 4-D) were employed in the present study. It is known that besides 2, 4-D two other hormones namely, ethylene and ABA are involved in this process. Silver ions in the from of AgNO₃ was provided to the young seedling of black mustard to interfere in the ethylene biosynthesis which is the midpoint in induced senescence.