Post-pollination endogenous phytohormone levels in reproductive organs in two interspecific Arachis crosses differing in compatibility

Wild Arachis species are of great value to the genetic improvement of the cultivated peanut; however, incompatibility hinders the utilization of the species outside section Arachis. Imbalance of endogenous phytohormones was hypothesized, but not yet well confirmed and elucidated. Using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, we were able to determine the phytohormone levels in flower bases 3 days after pollination and pegs/pods 5 and 10 days after soil penetration. The results showed that, in terms of significantly changed phytohormones, the proportion of down-regulated auxins and cytokinins gradually increased as reproductive development progressed. Significant reduction in the levels of gibberellins in pegs/pods was also recorded. This study suggested that to overcome incompatible obstacles in wide crosses in the genus Arachis, early post-pollination application of hormone mixtures incorporating auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins should be beneficial.

Automated summary

The application of hormone mixtures containing auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins after pollination can help overcome incompatibility barriers and improve cultivated peanuts.