Julia Green

Kaurenoids and gibberellins, including the newly characterized gibberellin A88, in developing apple seeds

The ethyl acetate-soluble acids from extracts of immature apple seeds (Malus domestica cvs Coxs Orange Pippin, Dabinett, Sunset and Tremletts Bitter) were analysed by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The following previously characterized gibberellins were identified by comparison of their mass spectra and Kovats retention indices with those of standards: GA1, GA3, GA4, GA7, GA9, GA12, GA15, GA17, GA19, GA20, GA25, GA34, GA35, GA44, GA45, GA53, GA54, GA61, GA62, GA63, GA68, GA80, GA84, and 3-epiGA54. In addition, a number of kaurenoid and gibberellin-like compounds were detected. The identity of one of the gibberellins with ent-3α,10β-dihydroxy-20-norgibberella-9(11),16-diene-7,19-dioic acid 19,10-lactone (9,11-didehydro GA4) was confirmed by partial synthesis from GA7 and is accorded the trivial name GA88.