Effect of exogenous abscisic acid on accumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides and galactosyl cyclitols in tiny vetch seeds (Vicia hirsuta [L.] S.F. Gray)
The role of the abscisic acid (ABA) in biosynthesis of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and galactosyl cyclitols (Gal-C) in tiny vetch (<em>Vicia hirsuta</em> [L.] S.F. Gray) seeds was investigated. The ABA was applied through incubation of seed at various stage of its development. The level of RFOs and Gal-C was determined in seed maturing on plant and in seed maturing in vitro. In early stages of <em>V. hirsuta</em> seed development, the ABA activated the biosynthesis of galactinol, although the level of arisen galactinol quickly declined. In the later stages of <em>V. hirsuta</em> seed development ABA had stimulatory effect of RFOs and Gal-C biosynthesis. Influence of ABA on biosynthesis of a-galactosides in <em>Vicia hirsuta</em> seed seems to be dependent on abscisic acid concentration. Low concentration of ABA had stimulatory effect on a-galactosides biosynthesis, but high concentration of ABA inhibited the process.