Inhibition of Ion Accumulation in Maize Roots by Abscisic Acid

An inhibition of root growth, a decrease in the amount of potassium (as 86Rb) and phosphate (32P) accumulation by the root, and a partial depolarization of transmembrane electropotential were observed to develop with a similar time course and to a similar extent when intact maize (Zea mays L.) roots were treated with 10-5 M abscisic acid (ABA). Potassium uptake was inhibited by ABA when excised, low-salt roots were bathed in KCl, KH2PO4, or K2SO4. ABA did not affect the ATP content of the tissues, the activity of isolated mitochondria, nor the activity of microsomal K+-stimulated ATPases.