3β,13-Dihydroxylated C 20 gibberellins from inflorescences of Rumex acetosa L.

Using full scan GC-MS a wide range of gibberellins (GAs) was identified in the young inflorescences of the dioecious species Rumex acetosa L., consistent with the ubiquitous early 13-hydroxylation pathway in both male and female plants. In addition, R. acetosa is the first species in which all three 3β, 13-dihydroxylated C20-GAs - GA18, GA38 and GA23 - have been identified in the same organism, suggesting an early 3β,13-dihydroxylation biosynthesis pathway in this species. Authentic GA18, GA38 and GA23 were synthesized and their effects and that of GA1, a GA common to both pathways, on the time to inflorescence emergence was investigated. GA1 accelerated the emergence of inflorescences in both male and female plants. In addition some evidence for biological activity per se of the C20-GA38 was obtained