EFFECT OF TRITON X-100 SURFACTANT ON GROWTH, PROTEIN-CONTENT, ETHYLENE AND CO2-PRODUCTION OF PHASEOLUS-VULGARIS L PRIMARY LEAVES

The effect of Triton X-100 surfactant on growth, ethylene evolution and respiration rate as well as on protein content and protein pattern of Phaseolus vulgaris L. primary leaves was studied at surfactant concentrations of 0.1 % and 0.2 % (w/v), respectively. Within 24 h, application of the surfactant resulted in leaf growth depression, a transient stimulation of ethylene production and the development of annulus-like necroses that showed a distinct dependence on Triton X-100 concentration. As early as 2 h after surfactant treatment, a significantly increased CO2 release and an enhanced level of soluble proteins was detected in the leaves. A surfactant concentration study in the range from 0.01 %-0.5 % revealed a continuous increase in total soluble protein with increasing surfactant concentration. Separation of protein extracts by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis did not show any major changes in protein pattern under the influence of Triton X-100. However, there was a marked increase of one polypeptide in the molecular weight range of 17-20 kD when surfactant concentration exceeded 0.1 % (w/v).