Rapid Detection of o-Hydroxycinnamic Acid and Beta-Glucosidase in Melilotus alba

Authors

Francis A. Haskins, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
H. J. Gorz

Date of this Version

10-1970

Comments

Published in CROP SCIENCE, VOL. 10, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1970.

Abstract

The tests utilize small samples of leaf tissue crushed on sheets of filter paper. For detection of o-hydroxycinnamic acid (o-HCA), a crude preparation containing sweetclover β-glucosidase is added to a spot of crushed tissue to insure hydrolysis of glucosidically bound o-HCA. An extract containing cis-o-HCA glucoside is added to another tissue spot to serve as the substrate for the detection of β-glucosidase activity. Finally, all spots are moistened with NaOH and are scored for fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Results of qualitative and quantitative tests on plants representing various genotypes are compared. The importance of exposing plants to sunlight before testing for o-HCA is discussed. The tests are particularly useful in genetic studies, in the development and maintenance of breeding lines, and in testing for contamination in low-o-HCA sweetclover varieties.