The relation between accumulation of abscisic acid and proline in detached rice leaves

The relation between abscisic acid (ABA) and proline accumulation was investigated in detached rice (Oryza saliva L.) leaves. In darkness, proline content increased about 2-, 2.5- and 6-fold after 24, 48 and 72 h. ABA content reached maximum after 48 h. In the light, proline content remained almost unchanged until 48 h and subsequently increased slightly. ABA content in the light was lower than in darkness, but the maximum was also after 48 h. During 12-h exposure to decreased air humidity, proline content gradually increased, but ABA content increased about 25-fold after 4 h and declined thereafter. Exogenous application of ABA resulted in an increase in proline content in detached rice leaves under both light and darkness.