Differences in Endogenous Levels of Gibberellin Activity in Male and Female Partners of Two Dioecious Tree Species

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Abstract
It was found that in two dioecious species, the carob (Ceratonia siliqua) and the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) growing in their natural Mediterrancan habitat, the female partner invariably manifested higher endogenous GN-like activity. While this trend was consistent, marked seasonal fluctuations in both free and glycosidic bound-GN were observedhigher levels being associated with essentially vegetative spring growth and the converse associated with anthesis. It is postulated that while a clear correlation exists between female growth and high GN activity in these species, the switch from vegetative to generative growth in both the male and female may be associated with a lower relative proportion of endogenous GN in a specific multi-hormonal complex presumably required for flower induction.