The objective of this proposal is to understand how an environmental signal, submergence, is translated into greatly accelerated growth of deepwater rice. At the cellular, physiological and biochemical/molecular level, Dr. Kende will continue his investigation to show how lower levels of oxygen increase the rate of ethylene formation by enhancing the activity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylate synthase in the internode. He will also investigate the relationship between ethylene production and the plant's subsequent responsiveness to gibberellin. Dr. Kende and his group have provided important information on how gibberellin and ethylene interact to regulate internodal extension in deepwater rice. In his current proposal he will extend these studies and incorporate additional biochemical and biophysical studies that will elucidate hormone action during the physiological response to submergence of this agriculturally important crop.
