Abstract
This research project is proposed to develop metabolic profiling approach to the analysis of phytohormones and other metabolites based on a simplistic preparation scheme and analysisby electronical ionization-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In addition, we willdevelop the vapor phase extraction technique and use the first initiated flower bud of Amentotaxus formosana and Taxus sumatrana to illustrate metabolic changes in phytohormones (including GAs, cytokinin, ABA, IAA etc), sugars, amino acids and other organic acids. The vegetative buds burst of Amentotaxus formosana and Taxus sumatrana occurs in the early April and July, respectively. The axillary buds started floral initiation after the second vegetative bud burst. So, we will collect the analysis samples from vegetative bud burst to floral bud initiation. The timing of the transition from vegetative growth to flowering is of paramount importance in plant breeding because flowering is the first step of sexual reproduction. Several chemicals assimilates (sugars and free amino acids) and known phytohormones participate in floral induction. Analysis of acidic and basic phytohormones and related signalling molecules was best when coupled by splitting extracts and trimethysilylation.